After 27 years of trying, I finally drew a Maine moose permit in my #1 choice for zones and it is a Bull tag for the September season. There are 60+" bulls in Maine, especially up there so, needless to say, I'm psyched.
This calls for a new bow, don't you think?
More to come. Stay tuned.
Craig
YES on the new bow!! Congrats to say the least!!
Congrats on the tag. :thumbsup:
Which zone did you draw?
Congrats. Not getting drawn is a good reason to buy a new bow also, helps take the disappointment away. :D
Looking forward to it Craig...best of luck to ya!!
Congratulations, I've got 19 years in so I guess there is still hope. Good luck
It is said that "if you don't have a dream, it can't come true.
I had a dream and it did come true for me on Wednesday evening. I just got back from the trip late last night, but as soon as I can figure how to post a picture here I'll get one up.
This will have to do for now:
The moose came into Wade Kelly's masterful calling at about 5:30 pm. I had a small stump about knee high with a couple of shoots off the top to hide behing. Wade was about 40 yards behind me with the call. I first saw it at about 50 yards out and it was comming straight toward me. It kept coming and coming and coming. The word "AWSOME" Is way over used IMHO, but can't come close to my feelings and what I was seeing as the moose stopped straigt on at about 22 yards. He was huge and carried the biggest rack I had ever seen. I just turned 65 last week and I have seen a lot of big moose over the years, and this topped them all. And here I was kneeling behind that little stump with a simple stick and string, and cedar arrow tipped with a 51 year old Bear Razorhead, the last in a box of 12 that my mom had given me on my 14th birthday; the same box that had held the broadhead that I had killed my first dear with 50 years ago.
I began to shake. Was he going to walk right over me, turn and give me a shot (if I could pull myself together enough) or was he going to turn and bolt out of there???
Well, he stood right there for about a day and a half (it seemed). He had noticed something slightly out of place, me. He probably saw me shaking. But then he took two more steps toward me and turned broadside during those steps. As his leg started to move forward, I could feel anchor and as the arrow started on it's way, my dream was being played out in slow motion. The arrow appeared in the exact spot I was focusing on and then the scene went back to real time.
Oh no! I'm rambling on. Sorry! 65 3/4" spread and 1040 pounds dressed weight.
Pictures coming soon, I hope.
Thanks to all who had given me advice when this thread started a few months ago.
That's amazing.Congratulations on taking an incredible bull.I can't wait to see pictures.
Wow Craig that is awesome!! Cant wait to see the pics of that brute! :thumbsup:
Can't wait to see the pics! Congratulations!
What about the new bow??????? :clapper: :clapper:
David
excellemt! and with broad heads your mom gave you too WOW
Wow Craig that's great!
Can't wait too see the pics.
Mike
Awesome!!! Congrats. Always nice to see a persons dreams come true.
Craig,
What an excellent story. Please share the pics when you get them. Congratulations!!!!
:archer: :clapper:
Wonderful, Craig! Now THAT'S a terrific birthday present to yourself!! Looking forward to the pics.
Congratulations Craig, 65+" is one huge moose for Maine.
Waiting for the pics. Congrats bud!
Magnificent! Job well done, Craig!
Great story!! Your mom would be proud that her present was well used!
GLENN
Well done, can't wait to see the pics!!! Congratulations!!!!!
Saint Craig. You're my new hero. Outstanding!
congrats can't wait for the pics
Maine? Moose? Sounds like I have to watch this one! Congrats, cant wait to see the pics!
At the risk of over using the word......AWESOME to say the least!!! big moose using a Razorhead your Mom got you for a B-Day present 50 years ago?! Man, it don't get no better!!!!
Congrats again!!! :clapper:
Pics?????
Amazing story, almost jerked a tear thinking about MOMS birthday present. Great JOB !!!
Great job!! Get settled in and give us all the details and pictures. That's a great bull for up here.
Ok, Here goes with the first try with posting pictures.
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/Bowcrafter0/P1010114-1.jpg)
Where we found him. He went 112 paces from where he was standing when I shot. The shot got both lungs and the top of the heart but did not pass through.
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/Bowcrafter0/P1010147-1.jpg)
The stump was my "hiding place" and the bull turned broadside 20 yards ahead of it and a little to the right.
A fantastic Moose Craig.
way to stick with your dream and chase it down, too many people don't peruse things as far as they should they have the Dream but not the Drive to make it happen
yours is a wonderful story! Congrats Buddy
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/Bowcrafter0/P1010122.jpg)
The "work crew" has arrived. Hilton left, Jimmy right, and Wade in the "easy chair"
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/Bowcrafter0/P1010145-1.jpg)
A little too tall for the meat pole
WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!! :thumbsup:
Excellent! Congrats on the big fellow, when are we coming up for moose steaks? :goldtooth:
As a Maine boy I salute you. I grew up watching bulls like that*...., but they were protected then.
Joshua
*(well, only a couple were "like that")
Great Moose. I didn't know they got that Big in Maine. What about Pics of the new bow?
Thank the good Lord you didn't give up on applying for that permit.
Awesome!!!!
Congrats on a fine animal indeed. Joe
wow, great bull! But why hang him? Seems like more work then gain?
A big bull and a bottle of Gatoraide...can't ask for much more that that!
Hanging game is a Maine tradition that goes way back to the sporting camp days. They wanted to show proof of the big adventure in the wilds of maine and the game pole was a big deal/great way to show off the success rate.
Lots of old archival photos showing game poles sagging with moose, deer and bears.
it is impressive to see a big moose or 260lb (dressed wt) whitetail buck hanging there in one piece.
Joshua
Too damn amazing! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats!
Man o man what a beautifuleast.Congradulations!!!Ill start applying for my next tag next year.I waited 12 years and thought that was along haul.27 years is some determination. :notworthy:
Thanks to all for all the kind words.
Rainman, as it turned out I didn't use the new bow. I had had rotator cuff surgery back in early Spring and had made a 38# bow for the rehab. Then in June, I found out that I had drawn a tag. My thoughts at the time: Wouldn't you know it, after 27 years, I get the tag shortly after shoulder surgery. As soon as I could, I started shooting the light bow and things went well, but with slow progress. I made a 47# bow thinking that would be as far as I would get before the Moose season. Then, with just a couple of weeks left, I tried one of my early prototype Bow Bolt bows made with an aluminum Bow Bolt. It was about 4 years old and I had shot a small 8 point buck last season with it. The weight is 53# @ 28". To my delight, I could handle two or 3 shots with it quite accurately on the first try. I shot several shots with it each day for the first week and got to about ten shots per day before the opening day of moose season. So that's the one I used. The total weight of the cedar arrow with the broadhead was 540 gr. so it was just a tad over the magic ratio of 10 gr. per pound of draw weight and it did the job pretty well.
Kevin, the whole story is way too long to tell here. After all, it started 51 years ago. I'll probably get it together for one of the magazines this winter. As you know, the winters in Maine can be long and cold. What better way to spend the days than to re-live the dream each day writing the story.
To all of you who have been applying for a tag for many years, all I can say is don't stop because if you do, you'll end your dream and "without a dream, it can't come true."
Way cool!!! How do you get an animal that big TO the meat pole???
JHG, I have to say hanging a 1klb moose is pretty damn impressive...you never see a hole one hung up here LOL! then again most of us cant get skidsteers to them either ;)
Can't wait for the story Craig! dont forget ALaska winters are colder...AND darker LOL...and it'll take a year or three for one of those mags to get it published..but when you do drop me a line I'll definatly buy a copy (if I dont already have a subscription!)
Mark,
In the early days of the moose season back in the early 80's it was a requirement that they be brought out whole. (dumb law) So the "hunt" was really more like a "harvest" in that most Moose were shot by gun hunters at the edge or on the road or out in a clear cut from the road. Skidders were used sometimes and the rest of the time truck winches or come-alongs were used to drag them to and up on a trailer or the back of a pickup turck. Now they can be quartered in the woods if need be but most guides were already geared up for taking the whole animal out. We used a chain saw winch and several hundred feet of 3/4" rope. We hooked the portable winch to a tree and dragged to it and then repeated until we could slide it up on the trailer.
The weather is usually cool enough this time of year to be able to hang the animal to age the meet for up to a week before butchering and most find it easier to skin and then quarter the animal with the moose hanging if the means to hang it are available such as a chain hoist or block and tackle. Other reason were mentioned earlier in this thread such as bragging rights, but I think what I have just described is as much the reason.
YES!
That is TREMENDOUS! It is so great to see people who can appreciate it have success!
Well done!
Awesome,awesome adventure and a fantastic moose. Congrats on an amazing trophy.
Craig, what unit did you hunt in? Thanks.
Great animal!
I have had not luck yet in ME. I have 3 points in NH. Maybe next year.
God bless,
Jose
One of the best dream hunts I've ever heard of. Congratulations on a dream come true and kudos for the hard practice and steady hand to make it all come together! I bet that broad head was retrieved and will be in a place of honor along with that beautiful trophy. Well done sir!
shoot just seeing one on a pole is wow factor enough...it aint like I've seen a ton of dead moose but I can say I've NEVER seen a hole one on a pole LOL!
Jose,
It was unit ONE in Allagash. That's in the northern most part of Maine. I've known Wade Kelly, my guide, for about ten or 15 years and they don't come any better. I consider him a good personal friend. Both he and his father are trad bow hunters and both shoot one of my bows so he knows what trad hunting requires in the way of guiding. I sat down for a cup of coffee with Wade and a few other guys when I first got there for the hunt and told him not to be disappointed if I went home at the end of the hunt without a moose because I wouldn't be. I told him that it would be with a stick bow or not at all, and I didn't even bring a gun on the trip. Most of my bow hunting friends who have moose hunted here in Maine have usually put away the bow, usually a compound, on the third or fourth day and pulled out the heavy artilary to be sure to fill their tag. Wade said if I was OK with that he was too and said he would do all he could to find a moose and get really close to it. I said, (a little toung in cheak) good but there were just two requests I had. First, it had to be 60" or better and second, 20 yards or closer. Everyone laughed and he said "I'll do my best." He did a lot more than that.
Shaun,
We found it in the shoulder, and Yes, it, and the rest of the arrow which we also found will have a special place for sure.
Wow Congrats. That is fantastic.
Congratulations Craig!! Huge bull. Does Maine keep stats on bowkills?
Congratulations!! Awesome story, Awesome moose. I think it is so neat you took that moose with a Bear Rasorhead that your mother got for you on your 14th birthday. Doesn't get any better than that!!! Wow!!! Craig
Oh man Craig that is just an amazing story. Congratulations Sir. I'll look forward to re-visiting this story in one of the mag's. :thumbsup:
SWEET!
Hi Paul,
Yes, the state does have stats on bowkills. I haven't seen them yet but several bowhunting friends have told me mine is probably a all time state record. All I have right now is the width measurement which is about 10" wider than the widest in the book, but I'll have it green scored next week and have a better idea then. It is also possible that it is the overall record including all weapons because the largest gun kill in the books is just 2" wider and one of the points measured to in the width measurement on mine was broken off and it still measured 65 3/4". They said the overall mass on the gun record was low for it's width. We will just have to wait and see.
How's that beautiful bow you made shooting? That sure is a sweet looking bow.
That's cool! I've never seen them hanging up like that. It's pretty intimidating really.
Congrats on your bull and I can't wait to see the whole story written up somewhere. You make a handsome bow too!
Craig Thank you for the story and photos that is Awesome Moose. Blake
Hi Craig,
I thought your bull would be if not the record real close. Not many 60+" taken in ME.Looking forward to seeing where it ends up as I'm sure you are :)
The bow is waiting for for me in VT for bear week. I built that one for running with the hounds.(next week) Been hunting baits with another bow.
As you know a problem with building them is having too many to chose from.
Very pleased with the bow bolt!!!
Congratulations again on an awsesome bull !!
Paul,
It's looking good for the record, but it's the total score, not just the width which is 10" greater than the largest registered to date. We will just have to wait the 60 day drying period to know for sure. I hope to have it green scored next week. I'll keep you posted.
Good luck with the bear hunt. Sounds exciting with the dogs.
Incredible stry Craig! I really enjoyed it. Great job!
Congrats, impressive.
Great story and thank you so much for sharing.
That must be the all time best "meat pole" shot I have ever seen.
Congrats again!!
Great story and congrats!
QuoteOriginally posted by Craig Warren:
tipped with a 51 year old Bear Razorhead, the last in a box of 12 that my mom had given me on my 14th birthday; the same box that had held the broadhead that I had killed my first dear with 50 years ago.
Aint that something!!!
Congrats Sir....that's gotta be special. :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
Just simply "Awesome"!
Josh
Simply awesome all around Craig, the BH, the shot, the friends, and a huge bull...a true hunt of a lifetime :notworthy:
Excellent!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing a great story. It gives me hope that it could happen for me too. Each year I send in that application for a moose/elk/sheep tag hoping/wondering what might happen. Thanks again,
Gary
Craig: It was good talking to you last nite. All I can say is that when Laura and I had dinner with you and Cyndy at the Poke and Hope we had a good feeling about your hunt. By the way, did you ever find some insert for the Razorheads or did you do it without them? I can't get over the fact that two really good guys I know (you and Todd Gregory) shot tremendous bulls with your longbows. I just hope that the mojo rubs off a little as Laura and I head up to the White Mtns. in two weeks. I have an anlterless permit but all that horn I am seeing has me a little envious. I hope good things happen in 3's and I can post another story at the end of the month. How's the shoulder holding up?
Congratulations, what a moose! Nice story too, enjoy the steaks, roasts, etc., looks like you'll have plenty for the next year or two.
Congratulations Craig, Glad it all worked out for you . Great hunt!
Bill, best of luck for you and Laura on your moose hunt.
I decided to go without the bleeders but I did buy a KME sharpener (of the knife variety) and it worked great and was easy to use. Great product. The Bear Razorhead was hair shaving sharp and had no trouble doing the job.
I'm looking at a used freezer tonight. Do you think 11 cubic feet is enough for a moose and hopefully a deer?
Craig,
Let me know if you need more freezer space. I'm sure I could fit some of it up here in mine :D
Craig if your short on freezer space, I have a near empty 20 cu ft here in texas. Won't charge much for storage. Say 30# of moose burger.
LOL
Mike
Sounds fair Mike. When will you be coming up to pick it up? LOL
Thanks for the offer Kevin. I think I'll be OK unless I get that big buck we're all trying for here in Maine.
Thanks Ted and thanks for the "back up" razorheads. Turned out that the one my mom gave me was all it took but I think I'll keep on using Bear Razorheads for awhile.
Well-done!