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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 10:29:07 PM

Title: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 10:29:07 PM: I hunted moose alone in Alaska for 20 days in September. I drew a limited tag and was dropped in a new area that I have never hunted. During the first few days I called in several bulls that were not quite legal. They need to be 50 inches wide or at least have 4 points on one brow palm. Most of the bull looked nice with many points but not quite wide enough or lacked the 4-point front. I did call in a huge bull, but he came in after it was too dark to shoot. I also called in a wide bull that would be legal with a cow in tow, but he stopped his advance and made a rut pit, urinated in it, and laid down in it. Shortly after the cow approached and nuzzled him up to his feet, where they exchanged rubbing and licking. She then rubbed her face and neck in the fresh pit and laid down in it to immerse herself in his scent. With two sets of eyes and a bad wind direction, I lacked the cover to approach the couple before they escaped.
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 10:32:48 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 10:38:33 PM: I called in other younger bulls from good distance to. Since I want to film them, I must hold out until I can determine their antler size and legality. I one case I could not determine antler details until the bull was 25 yards away. He was raking brush which gave me the opportunity to advance on him. I used the drooping branches of a beetle-killed spruce as cover, as the bull came into my cow in heat calling. I did not have enough time to swap my bow out for the video camera in my pack before the bull marched out from behind the spruce with posturing antlers rocking side to side. His eyes were rolled back, as walked up to a heavy willow bush that protruded from the sides of another dead spruce and began raking his antlers with great vengeance. The scene was only meant for me to absorb as I was watching while holding my breath at a mere 8 yards. When he finished, he walked forward passed me and at one point was about 5 yards away before he caught my scent or felt my anxiousness to remove my pack and retrieve my camera. He turned his head and looked at me before trotting off. I could only get about 15 seconds of fleeing footage of the beast that was just moments earlier distracted and raking a bush in my lap.
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Camp!
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 10:47:05 PM: During the course of the hunt, I would make my way to distant drainages, one to the north and the other to the west, and call down into with hopes of getting a bull to come up from the bottom and make packing the meat out easier should I be successful in getting an arrow in. During one trip over the top ridge, I saw a bedded caribou bull. I snuck up to him and got great video footage since I did not have a caribou tag.
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Clae range moose, but not quite legal size.
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 10:52:45 PM: I looked for cows in hopes that a mature bull was bedded near by.
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A bit of reading during days of getting socked in due to rain.
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 10:57:26 PM: I called in many other lesser bulls and a couple legal bulls during the first 14 days of the hunt. Some would lock up in open dwarf birch ridges where they could pinpoint my calling, but not see the source. I lost out on some of the wide bulls due to fog and rain.
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 11:02:52 PM: After the last day of the season in this unit, I had arranged to get picked up and dropped off at a second location in a different management unit that was 5 days longer in length to finish out the 20 days there. With camp nearly taken down while waiting for the transfer flight, I heard branches breaking in the willow swamp up behind camp. I hurried up there and began calling like a cow in heat and subordinate bull. Imagine my surprise when I saw the huge bull that I called in earlier but lost shooting light. He was magnificent as he pounded into a willow bush and raked his antlers. He turned toward me at the sound of my calling and began grunting with every step as he came closer. Once in bow range I could clearly see details that I could not discern earlier. He was over 60 inches wide with four impressive brow points per side. He had about 17 points per side overall and his palms were wide and long. I was looking through the view finder at a huge bull as I filmed. At one point he moved away, but I called him back into bow range a second time. What an experience! It was just 9 hours too late to be my meat for the winter.
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Barry Wensel on October 04, 2022, 11:04:35 PM: I just sent in a "quick reply" and it didn't get posted. Sorry Mike. bw
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 11:08:50 PM: After getting moved to a second location I hunted the last four days of the season in that unit. I did not see much moose sign, and not one bull responded to my intense calling. It was a very fun trip, but not without hardship. It rained 17 out of 20 days. So over all it was a great adventure where I found the silence from human activity and the freedom that can only come with solitude. Mike
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 04, 2022, 11:18:33 PM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Wudstix on October 04, 2022, 11:35:43 PM: Truly Amazing and Incredible!!!
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Gun on October 04, 2022, 11:46:40 PM: Well done Mike. It takes a lot to put up with that much rain. Great pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Friend on October 05, 2022, 04:03:17 AM: A splendid rarity of experiences. Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: cacciatore on October 05, 2022, 04:27:49 AM: Great adventure Mike. Can you eventually tell about your camping stuff.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Sawpilot 75 on October 05, 2022, 06:05:31 AM: Great write up and pics Mike. How special it is to get away from the day to day stress. Thanks for posting this.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Bow man on October 05, 2022, 06:24:36 AM: Another phenomenal trip for you Mike :clapper:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: kennym on October 05, 2022, 07:17:47 AM: Awesome, just awesome... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: GCook on October 05, 2022, 07:45:39 AM: Great adventure. Great pics and story. Thank you for sharing it
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Mighty Big Country on October 05, 2022, 08:02:10 AM: Mike, your solo adventures continue to be inspiring! Well done.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on October 05, 2022, 09:35:06 AM: Thank you Mike for sharing your Story and photos.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 05, 2022, 09:44:55 AM: This was my eleventh solo bowhunt in Alaska. I've hunted five different mountain range. I was flown in with my gear. My camp was composed of Kifaru Sawtooth tent, light tarp floor, Thermarest light cot, Big Agnes lite core air mattress, Kifaru Slick Bag zero rated sleeping bag. I use the Jet boil to boil water for Mountain House meals, Katadyn Vario to sterilize water, and relax in the evenings as the sun sets around me in a Helinox One camp chair with ball footings. So, I'm not surviving in the wilderness, I use all this equipment and food that I bring to allow me to Hunt moose in the wilderness alone. I bring a Satellite phone to call pilot.
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Lots of moose sign
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 05, 2022, 09:52:08 AM: [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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The dead tree I hung my cloths in the dry, broke in half and blew down in the heavy wind when my back was turned. There wsas a hurricane that fit the west coast, but by the time it got to me it was just heavy wind; one of the only days I did not get rain.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 05, 2022, 09:59:48 AM: It is so exciting to call out into the wilderness like a cow in heat, and then you get a response of grunting from an approaching suiter. As the bull comes closer and closer, the anticipation raises to new level as often I've not made eye contact to judge the size. I had many nocked arrows during this trip. Can't wait to hunt moose again in the future.
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 05, 2022, 10:03:05 AM: Image drudging back to camp in the rain and finding the remnants of a party balloon laying in the tag alder thicket. What a message of love!
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: KAZ on October 05, 2022, 10:03:24 AM: Incredible Adventure Mike. Thank you for sharing this with us :campfire:

Truly inspiring and also shines with the Majesty of our Creator and the beauty of His Creation. :pray: :notworthy:

Well done :clapper:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: MnFn on October 05, 2022, 10:12:04 AM: Thanks Mike . I’ve also enjoyed your posts and the great photos about hunting in AK. I served in the 172nd Infantry Brigade in AK for about two and a half years.

I didn’t hunt much but did numerous back pack trips and floated the Kenai and the Little Susitna. Your photos bring back vivid memories for me!

Very glad I did that when I was a young man, I couldn’t do it now, at age 70 with my health.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: durp on October 05, 2022, 10:18:59 AM: AWSOME !!! Tks :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Josh H on October 05, 2022, 11:40:44 AM: Hello Mike,

Thank you for taking us on the journey with you!

I can only imagine what the scenery looks like in person if it is that beautiful in the pictures.

Could you tell us about your bow hunting equipment--bow, arrow, broadhead configuration? Do you carry extra limbs, strings, arrows, etc.?

Thanks,
Josh
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: stevem on October 05, 2022, 11:47:13 AM: Enjoyed the recap of your hunt. Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Orion on October 05, 2022, 11:54:35 AM: Helluva hunt. Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: rastaman on October 05, 2022, 01:14:19 PM: Beautiful animals and breath taking landscape Mike! Thanks for taking us along! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Bisch on October 05, 2022, 01:36:26 PM: Looks like a really neat place to be!!!!

Bisch
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Ark.Buck on October 05, 2022, 02:54:00 PM: I always look forward to your Alaskan moose hunts, thank you so much for taking me along!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Jayrod on October 05, 2022, 03:28:25 PM: Man what breath taking pics mike thxs for posting and sharing buddy!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 05, 2022, 03:29:52 PM: I wrecked on a dirt bike on 4th of July and separated my collar bone at the AC joint. I was worried about not being able to draw my bow. I worked into a 54 pound bow in late August, but made it into my 62 pound Stalker Herdbull Wolverine 64" recurve by leaving date. I usde 2219 32 inch arrows tipped with 250 gr two blade Cutthroat broad heads. During the previous few seasons for moose, I used the Tuffhead two blade. This year I thought I would try the single bevel Cutthroat as they are 1/8 inch wider and weigh less than the mounted Tuffhead. Even though I did not get to test the Cutthroat on the moose, I was a little concerned about the rust creeping in. I covered them in vasoline and chapstick prior to pushing into quiver hood. The rain seemed relentless and the bow setup never did get a chance to dry out. The Tuffheads used in the past are stainless. I used a Selway slip on quiver.
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: LoneRanger on October 05, 2022, 04:40:19 PM: Thank you for sharing this, Mike. Your book and video have inspired me and what I want to accomplish as a bow hunter. I’d be very excited to see this hunt on another edition of Chasing Solitude!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Duker on October 05, 2022, 06:09:05 PM: Enjoyed your awesome pictures and story Mike :thumbsup:
Thanks for sharing :archer2:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 05, 2022, 06:23:24 PM: I used to bring a back-up bow, and then changed to just bringing back up limbs for the TallTines bow, but now with weight restrictions etc, I only bring two extra bow strings. Yes, these photos are still frames from HD video I've taken in preparation for a second moose hunting video to compliment Chasing Solitude.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Wild Bill MCP 808 on October 05, 2022, 08:18:03 PM: Enjoyed reading the story and looking at all the pictures, you had a very successful trip. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: ScottA on October 05, 2022, 08:36:00 PM: Wonderful experience that you have shared-very enjoyable to read Thank you !
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Walt Francis on October 05, 2022, 11:24:00 PM: Mike,

Thanks for sharing this years adventure, it is appreciated.
Your pictures and the recounting of your adventure are always one of the best threads every year.
You made me really, really, miss not going north this fall. Hunter and I are headed back next year, then solo the following year.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Sean B on October 06, 2022, 06:13:12 AM: I was waiting to hear from you. From what I hear, it’s been a tough year for moose. Monty and Bryan said it was really slow as did Bubba Graves. Seems like you had some pretty good action. Thank you for sharing. God willing, I’ll be in Alaska again next year.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: 5deer on October 06, 2022, 07:01:36 AM: :clapper:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Roughcountry on October 06, 2022, 09:19:51 AM: Thanks Mike. Great pics
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: stagetek on October 06, 2022, 09:35:31 AM: Always a great read, Mike. Thanks for sharing once again.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Joeabowhunter on October 06, 2022, 07:39:56 PM: :clapper: Thank you for sharing the great stories and pictures! Fantastic
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Wudstix on October 06, 2022, 08:27:29 PM: Like many others, I look forward to this recap.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Jeff D. Holchin on October 06, 2022, 10:41:30 PM: I too have been patiently waiting for your update Mike! I love your positive attitude and your ability to recount your hunts as if we were there beside you; the great pics help! Can’t wait for your next video, hope it’s available soon! You inspire a lot of people!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: varmint101 on October 09, 2022, 10:50:15 PM: Awesome!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Gene Wensel on October 10, 2022, 02:02:37 AM: As always, you paint a great picture of what solo bowhunting is all about. Your photography is phenomenal too. It sounds to me like you had a tremendous hunt/trip without firing an arrow. There is going to be an upcoming point where you'll ask yourself if you're too old to do this sort of stuff. I was a little concerned about the storm passing through. The satellite phone has been a game changer for trips like this. I assume you carry it with you fulltime and don't leave it back at camp with your inflatable girlfriend.....
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: ozy clint on October 10, 2022, 08:27:15 PM: Living vicariously through the sharing of such adventures.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Hawkeye on October 11, 2022, 10:36:46 AM: You are a good man, Mike Mitten!

Daryl
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: LookMomNoSights on October 11, 2022, 01:18:16 PM: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
WOW! Is really about all anyone can say .........
and of course, Thank You.
Darn near about as close to heaven as you can get right there, while still breathing. Truly AWESOME.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Terry Green on October 11, 2022, 02:33:33 PM: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Mike Yancey on October 11, 2022, 02:39:49 PM: Love your stories of your hunts Mike!

Mike
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: DV of WI on October 11, 2022, 02:54:01 PM: Not many have done it better than you Mike Mitten. As always a pleasure to follow along and read.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: fmscan on October 11, 2022, 03:24:21 PM: Thank you, I have a new Hero, Hardball! I need to get your material....
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 11, 2022, 10:33:06 PM: When you get a response from Gene Wensel, its always an honor. He has a great imagination. I like Gene's quote from our film, "Primal Dreams" that said, "Bordum is an unimaginative state of mind." So, when I told Gene that the first thing I do after packing gear up from the floatplane is set up my tent and blow up the Big Agnes. Never realizing Gene did not know that the Big Agnes is a company that sells air mattresses. Hahahaha!
As Gene eluded, there are a few things I don't leave camp without, which include, the satellite phone, my survival pack, video camera, and side arm. These items, in a way, help relinquish natural fears and allow me to venture out into the wilderness alone. Since I had both knees replaced in 2019, I am so blessed to be able to continue to pursue my passions including chasing the Alaskan moose. One of my mottos that comes to light during these hunts is, "What I fear the most is losing the will to be tested!" So, get out there and pass your own personal tests.
You can read about many more of my solo hunts in Alaska by searching the TradGang archives, or checking out the Journal section of my website Herdbullproductions.com
For hunts of this duration, there are many more experience that I hope to share in the future through videos, writing, or personal presentations. Mike
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Keefer on October 12, 2022, 10:45:09 AM: Mike,
I just got a chance to read this and I’m sorry you didn’t get to bring home some moose meat to fill your freezer “BUT” I would still count it as a success with those incredible photos you took of all the wild game you saw.
That country is so beautiful and I’ll never get to see it I’m sure and your pictures alone are worthy of a photo book or a calendar of wildlife for sure.
I also wanted to let you know the girls are really growing and I have one driving already and another wanting to very soon.
I share your pictures a lot and show them off and still tell the story of “Twister& Shakes” to folks when they visit.
I’m going to send you a pm of something I’m working on and want your opinion on it if you don’t mind?
I can’t wait to get out in my Huntmore 360 again this season and again it’s been the best thing you shared with me years ago.
God Bless and be with you and you took some really great pictures and that’s something that will keep you dreaming to return in hopes he is still there next time.
Keefer’s <‘)))>< :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Keefer on October 12, 2022, 10:50:24 AM: Quote from: fmscan on October 11, 2022, 03:24:21 PM
Thank you, I have a new Hero, Hardball! I need to get your material....
“HardBall” ? Love it :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: soap creek on October 13, 2022, 09:59:30 AM: Thank you so much for posting your Alaska adventure. I really enjoyed seeing it through your eyes. It was like I was right there. My wife and I were vacationing in Alaska in August. It was a life long dream of ours. The money we spent and the time we were gone, absolutely no regrets. We were there 8 days. It rained everyday but 1. Never hard and not continuously. We spent most all our time outside. We loved it. Thanks again. Greg
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: wooddamon1 on October 13, 2022, 09:41:10 PM: Great recap on another awesome adventure, Mike! Can't wait for the next video. Are you gonna write me another poem at the end? Haha!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Gun on October 14, 2022, 06:03:10 PM: Just curious Mike? What determines a legal point on a palm in Alaska?
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Walt Francis on October 14, 2022, 08:29:14 PM: Gun,

Here is the link to the AK regulations:

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/wildliferegulations/pdfs/mooseid.pdf

Below are the regulations, the pictures did not copy and paste with the wording, you are better off going to the website for clarification:

Identifying a legal moose in antler restricted hunts
In many units, regulations restrict the harvest of bull moose to a specific antler size or configuration. The accompanying illustrations provide general assistance to hunters in field identification of moose antler size and configuration. It must be emphasized that moose antlers vary considerably. Each hunter is responsible for determining if a moose is legal before attempting to take it.
Legal bull moose in areas with a 50-inch antler OR number of brow tines restriction:
Antler restrictions are defined by both an antler spread and a brow tine restriction. The brow tine portion of the 50-inch antler restriction is intended to help verify a legal moose if the hunter is uncertain about antler spread. If uncertain about the antler spread, count brow tines. If uncertain about the number of brow tines, don’t shoot!
Brow palm Brow tines
50-inch
50-inch antlers means the antlers of a bull moose with a spread of 50 inches or more measured in a straight line perpendicular to the centerline of the skull.
In some areas of the state, bulls with antlers less than 50 inches wide are legal if they have at least 3 brow tines on EITHER side. In other areas, bulls with antlers less than 50 inches wide must have at least 4 brow tines on EITHER side to be legal. Be sure to check the regulations for the brow tine minimum requirement in the area you are hunting.
However, if the antlers are 50 or more inches wide, it doesn’t matter how many brow tines are present, the moose is legal. Likewise, if the moose has the required number of brow tines, it is legal regardless of the antler spread.
Not a brow tine
4 brow tines
3 brow tines
To accurately identify and count brow tines, bulls must be viewed from the front; viewing from the side runs a risk of counting main palm points as brow tines. Distinguishing legal brow tines can be difficult. Brow tines emerge from the brow palm or near the base of the antler and typically project forward.
Antlers must be salvaged where there are antler restrictions; such antlers must remain naturally attached to the unbroken or uncut skull plate if the required number of brow tines are not present.
If antlers must be salvaged, they may not be altered prior to completion of all salvage requirements. In Units 7 and 15, antlers are required to be sealed in Homer, Soldotna, or Anchorage ADF&G offices within ten days of take. Wildlife trooper offices on the Kenai Peninsula can also seal antlers by appointment.
“Brow tine” means a tine emerging from the first branch or brow palm on the main beam of a moose antler; the brow palm is separated from the main palm by a wide bay; a tine originating in or after this bay is not a brow tine.
The use of electronic calls for moose hunting is prohibited.
Identifying a point or tine:
1”
not a point
1” point
1”
A point or tine is an antler projection at least one inch long, and longer than it is wide, with the width measured one inch or more from the tip; an antler point or tine originating within 2 inches from the base, and less than 3 inches in
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Walt Francis on October 14, 2022, 08:51:05 PM: My moose last year has four brow tines on the left side, the moose’s right side, and three on the other side.

My moose from 2012 has three brow tines on the left side, the moose’s left side, and two on the other side.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Gun on October 14, 2022, 09:50:54 PM: Thanks Walt. Pretty much like P&Y. I was wondering about the base to length ratio. They make it pretty clear. You have to make sure they're very distinct. Nice Bulls BTW!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 14, 2022, 11:22:34 PM: Yes, it can be very confusing. And mistakes can be easily made in the field in the heat of the moments. I've seen many bulls from the side that did not impress me, until they turn and look directly at me.... then it's like "holy cow look how wide!!!!" I've let many legal bulls walk for one reason or another. I suppose it might be easier to let a bull walk if you have already taken bigger ones, but it's much more than that. If I have enough time to try different techniques, venture out to greater distance, or explore undisturbed areas to have some impact on simple hope for success. I've never hunted in a unit that does not have antler restrictions. I usually look for antler width first, which included, shape of palms and tines that protrude outward. I look for the swoop down as the beams leave the burr and the palm edges that angle outward as opposed to parallel to each other.
By rule, this bull was legal in the unit I hunted in 2021 with his 3 brow point on one side requirement. I passed him up at 12 yards because there was over a week left in my hunt, and because I saw other bigger bulls prior to calling in this one.
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Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: ottertails on October 15, 2022, 12:00:26 AM: I haven't been around here on TG for awhile...tuned in and knew when I saw a thread titled "Solo moose hunt"....Herdbull, I knew I was in for great adventure and excellent photography....wow!
Thanks for taking me/us along, sharing such a great adventure.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Jerry Gille on October 16, 2022, 01:09:39 AM: Awesome Mike. Thanks for taking us along!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: azhunter on October 17, 2022, 09:57:25 AM: Mike, I really enjoy reading the stories of your Alaska trips each year. Always one of my favorite threads of the year. Usually if I do a solo backpack hunt in my home state it is for 3-4 days. I always think of you and a few others that do the solo Alaska trips and I have to be honest that I don't think there are a lot of guys including myself that are up to doing that kind of trip alone in Alaska. Sure, I think it sounds awesome but I feel after watching that plane fly away and having to be there alone for a couple weeks with the potential bad weather and grizzly bears that I would be more nervous and not totally be able to enjoy the hunt. Maybe after going a few times with someone else possibly I would change my mind I just don't know. It would just be comforting to have a friend there with you. Anyway, thanks for the story you always make the reader feel like they are there with your pictures and description of the hunt.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: IndianaBowman on October 18, 2022, 03:34:54 PM: Another amazing hunt, story, and photographic journey! Thank you Mike!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Herdbull on October 18, 2022, 05:54:09 PM: My first moose hunt in Alaska was in 1988, where my hunting partner got gored by a wounded bull (see chapter 5 in my book). This hunt fueled the passion I have for hunting moose. This past Friday Oct 14, my friend Mark Hewkin passed away from a heart attack. I guess I'm blessed to have friends that support and motivate me to continue to be tested in the wilderness. Mike
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: IndianaBowman on October 19, 2022, 05:30:50 PM: Mike, very sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. I'm sure you have many more adventures ahead of you. Be safe and best of luck for the deer season.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: RIVERWOLF on October 19, 2022, 05:39:59 PM: As my friend Joe(ottertails) and others have stated...EXCELLENT stories , reflection , pictures !
I've been close to a few Mooz on my remote canoe trips over the years to Quetico . Never with a bow in hand , simply a canoe paddle. Yet that canoe & paddle helped me reach what is all but gone today. Solitude ! The type of solitude only remote wilderness can provide is beyond words of definition ..Yet a few like yourself , find a way to somehow express it on many levels . Pictorials are a Big part of sharing the experience . Always enjoy your shared Stories and insight Mike.
Thank you for taking the time to take us along .

Our condolences for the loss of your friend....

sincerely,

Ralph"Riverwolf"Webb
>>------------------->
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Bullchaser1 on October 20, 2022, 08:37:41 PM: Thanks for sharing Mike! My dream hunt for sure!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Chad R on October 21, 2022, 07:48:55 AM: Thank you for sharing, Mike! I really enjoyed reading about your adventures and equipment.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Wudstix on October 22, 2022, 09:24:44 AM: Condolences on the passing of your friend. Continue to live the dream and hunt hard!
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: doubleo on October 25, 2022, 08:43:51 AM: Thanks for taking us along on your adventure! Great story telling and pictures!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Keefer on October 25, 2022, 12:57:45 PM: Mike,
I am so sorry and my sincere condolences to you on losing a good friend.
Thank you for taking us all along on your trips and please continue to always share your experiences Alone in the wilderness.
I’m also checking on here often to see “If” you are having success with “Clicker” ?
Have fun and keep me posted.
Keefers
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: jonsimoneau on October 29, 2022, 01:45:47 PM: Really good stuff Mike. Beautiful photography as well!
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: Steve O on November 28, 2022, 09:47:10 PM: Thanks Mike. Always learn something from you contributions. Great pictures and as always a great adventure.
Title: Re: Alaska Solo Moose Hunt -2022
Post by: George Tsoukalas on November 29, 2022, 08:04:44 AM: Mike, thanks for sharing your journey with us. I enjoyed it very much; so sorry on the loss of your friend. May his memory be eternal. Jawge