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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Ken Taylor on October 25, 2010, 10:05:00 AM

Title: Moose...for eating
Post by: Ken Taylor on October 25, 2010, 10:05:00 AM
Moose is the most important game where I live and harvesting your meat for the coming winter is not a guarantee (to say the least) using any equipment.

Many think that all moose have big horns but they are the exception rather than the rule (same as deer in average areas). I have just about a half century of moose hunting seasons behind me and have killed everything from a calf to a trophy bull.

I realize that moose hunting for most of you would mean going through an outfitter or getting selected in a draw, influencing you to be more selective.

I am curious however, what you think of harvesting a "little" bull like this. I killed him a couple of weeks ago in our general firearm season (I had the regulatory orange vest on but prefer the pictures I took without it).
 (http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/Mehikan/Tradgang/DSC_1380_2.jpg)
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: chopx2 on October 25, 2010, 10:11:00 AM
jealous...lol
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: adeeden on October 25, 2010, 10:13:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by chopx2:
jealous...lol
Agreed!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: steadman on October 25, 2010, 10:13:00 AM
I think it's great! Should be great eating. Congrats!   :thumbsup:
p.s. i don't think there are any "little" moose  :)
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: fish n chicks on October 25, 2010, 10:15:00 AM
Moose is the only game my wife will eat. You got yourself some good grubbin there Ken. WTG with a bow!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Featherbuster on October 25, 2010, 10:15:00 AM
chopx2...you beat me to it!!

Congrats
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Mudd on October 25, 2010, 10:28:00 AM
Awesome!

Thanks for sharing!!

God bless,Mudd
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Tater 2 on October 25, 2010, 10:35:00 AM
Looks like alot of good eating to me!!

   That is a trophy in my book,someday I might actually draw a Moose tag.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Bigkid on October 25, 2010, 10:37:00 AM
looks like Meat on the table to me...

congrats
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Marty on October 25, 2010, 10:38:00 AM
Table fare is fantastic and I will never pass a small bull with my bow ever, never, ever, never, ever again. Did I mention ever? Congrats to you!!!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: xtrema312 on October 25, 2010, 10:42:00 AM
I am a meat hunter and that looks like a lot of meat.  My freezer wants one any size.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: hawk22 on October 25, 2010, 10:50:00 AM
nice bull! what kind of bow are you using?
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Canadabowyer on October 25, 2010, 10:52:00 AM
In BC we consider that the "perfect" moose.We will take that size every time over a bigger bull.Best eatin moose there is.  Bob
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on October 25, 2010, 10:55:00 AM
I'm with Marty on this one...I don't pass up any legal moose or any legal elk.

You did good.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: varmint101 on October 25, 2010, 10:59:00 AM
I think it's awesome!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: John Havard on October 25, 2010, 11:04:00 AM
Congratulations on a fine bull.  I've taken many bulls too, all in Alaska, and have found all of them to be mighty toothsome.  

I don't know anything about elk and have heard that old dominant bulls might not be good table fare.  Again, I don't know that to be true but have heard it from more than one person.  

The same is not true for moose.  I can testify that based on my experience ALL bull moose, be they old or young, provide excellent meat that is tender and wonderful if properly cared for up front.

Bottom line - like Biggie and Marty said - any legal bull moose is an excellent trophy and the meat is very hard to beat.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Zradix on October 25, 2010, 11:32:00 AM
Congrats!!

Squirrel to moose...I like to eat.
The horns don't taste good anyway.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on October 25, 2010, 11:44:00 AM
I really think you should not have killed that bull! Since a bull that size really isn't that tasty I'll give you my address and you can ship me the meat......I'm a good enough guy to take if off your hands. If this happens again, I'll have to confiscate the meat again......Ryan
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Steve Clandinin on October 25, 2010, 11:55:00 AM
I'm drouling ! I grew up on Moose meat and have eaten it all.That my friend is the perfect moose.Moose meat ,Pheasant,Ruffed grouse and pronghorn to me are the best.A true trophy the honest way.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: hayslope on October 25, 2010, 11:57:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Manitoba Stickflinger:
I really think you should not have killed that bull! Since a bull that size really isn't that tasty I'll give you my address and you can ship me the meat......I'm a good enough guy to take if off your hands. If this happens again, I'll have to confiscate the meat again......Ryan
:laughing:    :laughing:    :laughing:  

Like the other folks have said.......ya can't eat those antlers!

I would guess that a young bull like that must be fantastic.....just like a young cow.

My Maine outfitter did tell me the other week that none of them can compare to a calf....but I would guess not many folks end up taking one where legal.  I'm sure there are some folks that have hunted up in Ontario/Quebec where the NRs can get calf permits will pipe in and tell us how you can cut them up with a spoon!

Regardless....enjoy!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: David Yukon on October 25, 2010, 12:27:00 PM
Like John Harvard said. That said, I rather get a small moose, way less work. I got a moose this year to and it was rather big... we ended up with 600# of dresed meat(Yukn moose a known to be big even when small)!! I do my hunting all on foot or by canoes, no motorised vehicul for me... and a smaller moose is always welcome!!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: rastaman on October 25, 2010, 12:27:00 PM
Awesome animal!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: swp on October 25, 2010, 12:37:00 PM
Can't eat antlers!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Horner on October 25, 2010, 12:37:00 PM
That is a world class animal in my eyes.  I would be doing back flips if I harvested a moose of that caliber.  Not only would he be good eating.  He would make an AWESOME mount as well.  
I guess I have strong feelings because a moose is my dream animal to harvest.

So I am very very jealous.  Congrats to you on a wonderful animal.    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :archer:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Breakfast Boy on October 25, 2010, 12:39:00 PM
Yep, I'm jealous too.  Nice job!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: stik&string on October 25, 2010, 12:43:00 PM
Congrats on the bull. I would take that animal anyday. Moose meat is by far my favorite big game.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Ken Taylor on October 25, 2010, 12:44:00 PM
WOW! I never got so many responses so quickly. Thank-you all.

I used my 75lb Caribow longbow, a custom cedar arrow from J&M Traditions, and a Stos broadhead.

After calling him in twice, I managed to get a quartering away shot at 20? yards through a small "quickly found" window in thick bush after a "as quiet as possible" sprint through the brush to intercept him.

He didn't go far but tumbled off the bank and into the water you see behind me when he died.

I was by myself so pulling him out, taking pictures, gutting, skinning, cutting him up, loading him in my canoe, transporting him to my friend's family trapping cabin, carrying every piece up a steep riverbank to hang sheltered took me 11 hours. It had been cold and miserable, but soon after I killed the moose, the heavens cleared and the sun came out...I could have done without that. Moose meat has to be taken care of as quickly as possible in sunshine.

I hadn't eaten since the night before and in that time I had a piece of bannock and a couple of cups of coffee from my thermos.

But don't we love that sort of punishment!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: elkken on October 25, 2010, 01:46:00 PM
I shot a small bull like that a few years back and was darn proud of it. Best eating meat I ever had. Like they say a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If you hunt mainly for table fare I would shoot that guy every time. Nice moose   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: bornagainbowhunter on October 25, 2010, 01:48:00 PM
i think i would be extatic!  

God Bless,
Nathan
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: landman on October 25, 2010, 01:50:00 PM
Great moose.   I've never eaten it, but I would bet that it's delicious.   My only question would be:    How are you gonna drag that thing out of the water?
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: recurve_shooter on October 25, 2010, 02:38:00 PM
I'm a meat hunter at heart, so I'd shoot him in a heartbeat!  Hope to get a chance some day.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Bjorn on October 25, 2010, 02:42:00 PM
Yum!!    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Tom on October 25, 2010, 02:43:00 PM
Great job-getting a fine bull in gun season, good for you and enjoy the table fare. Wouldn't hesitate to kill him either.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Bill Turner on October 25, 2010, 02:58:00 PM
The only passing I might do with that moose is a platter of steaks to my bud who helped me get him out. Congrats.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: joe ashton on October 25, 2010, 03:09:00 PM
awesome covers it.  simply awesome.
Joe
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Doc Nock on October 25, 2010, 03:32:00 PM
When I was fortunate enough to live in MT, several friend got tags for Moose... and I got to help skin and butcher...and earn some meat.

I never met an elk or a moose I didn't like to eat!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: maineac on October 25, 2010, 03:42:00 PM
Looks like a great bull.  that is a whole lot of dinners.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Bill Carlsen on October 25, 2010, 03:48:00 PM
There was a small bull with this cow when I shot her. We had already decided that table fare was what we wanted.

(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Arrowworks/BillsMoose.jpg)
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Pete W on October 25, 2010, 05:41:00 PM
Thats a good animal.
When we buy a side of beef we don't pick a 2500# stud bull, we pick a young animal like you have.
Excelent , just excelent.
Pete
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: J-dog on October 25, 2010, 05:53:00 PM
Never had the chance to take or pass up a moose or an elk and I can agree with the consensus that I am a meat hunter and passing up any legal animal is against my religion.

NICE MOOSE!

J
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on October 25, 2010, 06:05:00 PM
I think any legal moose is an awesome trophy. Congrats!!! Well done!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: frassettor on October 25, 2010, 06:23:00 PM
I would give anything to harvest a moose cow, calf, or bull. I'm proud of anything I supply for my family! Very nice moose! My hats off to you. Wanna be my guide  :pray:    :goldtooth:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: DennyK on October 25, 2010, 06:26:00 PM
Congratulations!  Time fir Vittles.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: yellow bow on October 25, 2010, 06:33:00 PM
Congrats on a fine throphy and lots of good eat'n    :clapper:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: House on October 25, 2010, 06:35:00 PM
I've never passed up a legal elk I thought I could get off the mountain, so I guess the same would hold true to me for moose!

Travis
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Coonbait on October 25, 2010, 07:07:00 PM
Yeck no I wouldn't pass that bull! Congratulations!!
GLENN
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: DDyer on October 25, 2010, 08:03:00 PM
I don't think there is such a thing as a small moose,but of all the ones I've eaten that size bull is the best there is,even better than a cow.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Bert Frelink on October 25, 2010, 08:23:00 PM
Congratulations,nice eat'n size critters you guys!!
I was lucky enough myself to provide about 300 lbs of boned out meat for the family myself
 (http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh216/quartermoonlongbows/tn-1.jpg)
Good luck to all.
Regards.
Bert
Not sure why my pic's are so small all of a sudden, can't seem to figure it out.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Ray Hammond on October 25, 2010, 08:35:00 PM
Congratulations!

John Havard, my biggest elk was 9 1/2 years old- and ate like the best beef ever butchered!

Go get you one!!!

You ready to come pig hunting?
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Wapiti Chaser on October 25, 2010, 08:45:00 PM
Ken, I would take that bull in a minute ! I hunted moose in Quebec last year and am going back next year. That bull is what Idream about dailey !
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Stiks-n-Strings on October 25, 2010, 09:31:00 PM
Like I stated in a different post, Here all trophies are world class from tree rats to that big ol' mound of meat right there.

Awsome, I will get my chance one day.

Stiks
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: John Havard on October 25, 2010, 09:41:00 PM
Ray, thanks for the info on bull elk.  I never want to offer an opinion unless it's based on extensive first-hand experience and it sounds like your evaluation of elk meat is just that.  

Speaking of pig hunting, I've BEEN ready to go pig hunting!  Just a couple of weeks ago the wife and I moved to Mill Valley, CA and have been unpacking and hanging pictures and putting stuff away since then.  I still have on my to-do list to come out and pig hunt with you.  It will happen and I hope sooner rather than later.  I'll be in touch.

John
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: TKO on October 25, 2010, 09:48:00 PM
I'm with you. I'd have shot that moose without hesitation.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Butch L on October 25, 2010, 10:45:00 PM
Ken,Congrats on the Trophy, that is one tasty looking critter. I got one that size(body and rack)in "05" in New Foundland. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Butch L
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: JUST-DOO-IT on October 26, 2010, 12:16:00 AM
I wouldn't pass up the chance.  Congratulations on a fine bull.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: coaster500 on October 26, 2010, 12:25:00 AM
Great bull, and that is a trophy animal any time   :)  

To answer your question "I am curious however, what you think of harvesting a "little" bull like this."

I think you should freeze some, pack it in a Styrofoam box and overnight it to me....  :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: bowhunterfrompast on October 26, 2010, 12:27:00 AM
Congrats   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Bowhunter4life on October 26, 2010, 01:09:00 AM
I lived in Alaska for a few years while I was in the Air Force, hunted a lot but never drew a tag for the Fort Richardson hunt for moose.  My friend did, and he made the best of it...

Have a pic to post here, but he did use a compound so I won't...  46" bull, perfect 20 yard double lung shot.  But, we saw a lot of different moose while hunting snowshoes and spruce grouse.  I only wish I could have drawn a tag... stalked many different moose, bulls, cows, and calves.  Would have loved to put an arrow in any of them.

Although his was some very good eating, I would venture to guess younger is better table fare given it is with whitetails... you did good!  Especially since it was rifle season when you did so.  Critters don't act themselves when they are being pressured as they are during any rifle season.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: damascusdave on October 26, 2010, 01:12:00 AM
Only one word comes to mind:

DEEELICIOUS

DDave
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: vtmtnman on October 26, 2010, 05:09:00 AM
I'd tag that for sure.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Gatekeeper on October 26, 2010, 09:45:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Ken Taylor:
I am curious however, what you think of harvesting a "little" bull like this.
:bigsmyl:  I like it! Congratulations  :clapper:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: twitchstick on October 26, 2010, 10:06:00 AM
Nice bull a ture trophy. I love moose meat, just need to draw a tag.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: wojo124 on October 26, 2010, 10:09:00 AM
you did good man,every kill is a trophy to me.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: WindWalker-AK on October 26, 2010, 10:18:00 AM
Mr. Taylor,
Spike or fork horn is the only thing I will shoot anymore.  Old age, battlefield wounds and common sense prevent otherwise.  I just can't handle a larger animal by myself.  Further more, will only shoot one in a place that will enable me to get our Alaskan Mule right up alongside it, after it is down.
It does not lessen the quality of the hunt in any way (for us) and they sure do taste good!
Congrats on a great Moose!
Best Wishes
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: TSchirm on October 26, 2010, 11:28:00 AM
I think it's great.  Can't eat the horns.  I think I would take any moose I got the chance at with a trad bow, especially if I could hunt every year or quite often, and hope that some day I might get that large set of antlers.  Congratulations!!
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: GrayRhino on October 26, 2010, 03:40:00 PM
That's the best size moose for eating.  Both I've shot in Alaska were about that size and made great table fare.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Izzy on October 27, 2010, 06:11:00 AM
Meats good and I dont have enough room to hang a moose head over my mantle. Hes real nice, congratulations.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: BFinegan on October 27, 2010, 06:44:00 AM
I'd rather be hunting moose for the primary purpose of putting up meat than measuring rack size. It would have a greater significance to me.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Tom Leemans on October 27, 2010, 08:53:00 AM
I feel hungry.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on October 27, 2010, 11:45:00 AM
Izzy...time for a new mantle 8-)

All you guys with the "can't eat the antlers" remarks are full of moose poopie. If a tender cow is standing there and a 60" bull, conservation issues aside, are you telling me you'd shoot the cow????

 :laughing:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Ken Taylor on October 27, 2010, 01:15:00 PM
Heck...even I'd shoot the 60 inch BULL!

I've lived in moose country my entire life and although about forty five years ago we used to occasionally see a 60" moose (dead)... and I am sure that one still exists somewhere around here, I haven't run into him yet.

Hmmm...maybe I'll try to get him next year. Let's see now...with him I could make hamburger, stew, minute steak (tenderized), spaghetti sauce, jerky, sausage, marinaded roasts and casseroles...I could live with that until the next moose season and then hunt for tender steaks. LOL
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: hayslope on October 27, 2010, 05:12:00 PM
Plenty of time to dream about next year's antlers........just think of this:

(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/MOB2.jpg)

 :campfire:
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: BFinegan on October 27, 2010, 08:57:00 PM
I'm shooting the 60" bull all day every day. However, I'd rather be living in moose country looking forward to hunting them every fall regardless of size.
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: WindWalker-AK on October 28, 2010, 12:43:00 AM
Mr. Biggie Hoffman,
Yes sir, without hesitation I would shoot the cow Moose.
Best Wishes
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: David Yukon on October 28, 2010, 12:54:00 AM
If it was legal up here, I would sure take a cow... it seem that we see way more cows during hunting season anyway lol... and 60" bull there is plenty of them up here...
Title: Re: Moose...for eating
Post by: Morning Star on October 28, 2010, 06:40:00 AM
Meat for the pot...... very nice!