MOOSE HUNT!!!

Caleb Andes · May 15, 2011, 12:11:00 AM

First off I hope this is in the right forum. Secondly.. I'M GOING ON A MOOSE HUNT!!!!

My father surprised me last month with the idea of a moose hunt for my college graduation present

god bless you Dad. Well today we booked a hunt for 2012.

I was under the impression that he would only want me to take my compound due to the high trophy fees. But today after watching me fling a few from my recurve in the back yard he suggested I take that instead!! To say the least I began to drool at the mere thought of it.

So my question to everyone is.. What kind of a set up do I need to be comfortable in taking a moose and to what yardage should I be proficient out to? Currently I'm shooting a 60# at 28" draw but im only 27 so its more like 52#s. My arrows weigh 560 and are shooting bullet holes.

Is this enough? From my existing knowledge im already aware (i think) that with any traditional equipment, a perfectly broadside shot is all I will be able to take due to their heavy ribs..

Also after browsing through the outfitters website I have seen about a half dozen trohpy pictures where guys have taken bulls with recurves so I know the outfitters are no stranger to our traditional ways..

Any and all advice is much appreciated!! Thanks guys!!!

PS... did i mention IM GOING ON A MOOSE HUNT!!!

Bill Sant · May 15, 2011, 12:16:00 AM

Your set up will be fine. If you are already tuned and accurate with that set up the hardest part will be the waiting for the hunt to start. Good luck and congrats on the graduation. You got one hell of a Dad........

Over&Under · May 15, 2011, 12:22:00 AM

Congrats! Should be fun!

If your bow is 60@28 and you draw 27, I would guess your pulling closer to 57 lbs. That said, your setup sounds fine, although a little heavier arrow is not bad and good foc.

And as always it is more important that you put the arrow where it needs to be...Good Luck!

Looper · May 15, 2011, 01:00:00 AM

I think you're good to go with that setup. A lot of moose have been shot with a lot less. Personally, though, I'd step up to a 650-700 grain arrow.

Greg Dearth · May 15, 2011, 07:12:00 AM

I believe your set up will work fine. I have only shot one moose but my set up worked very well. I shot him with a 62# recurve and a 617 grain arrow. The broadhead was a cut on contact (Magnus II) 2-blade. I shot him at about 35 yards and had conplete pentetration. He only lasted maybe 60 seconds, and fell within sight. Shot placement is the key as with any animal. Just aim well back of the shoulder and be sure your broadheads are razor sharp. The kill zone on a moose is quite large as compaired to a deer, roughly 20"-24". I also made a life size 2-D target to practice on. Moose are very large animals. I wanted to make sure that they wouldn't appear closer than they really were. Good Luck on your hunt and post some pictures.

JimB · May 15, 2011, 09:32:00 AM

Congratulations,that's pretty exciting news.I also agree you are pulling 57# and that you are good to go.I would just choose a tough broadhead and get them razor sharp.If you are using 2 blades,the KME sharpener is a good investment.

pauljr · May 15, 2011, 10:05:00 AM

Congrats and good luck

Bernie B. · May 15, 2011, 10:38:00 AM

I agree with Over&Under about you are probably pulling about 57#. I also agree that maybe a little more arrow weight would seal the deal. Sounds like a great hunt!

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

Caleb Andes · May 15, 2011, 10:41:00 AM

Thanks for the advice guys! What kind of FOC should my arrows be up to? Also would you suggest a two or three blade cut on contact? I was thinkin two for maximum penetration...

straitera · May 15, 2011, 10:44:00 AM

Good advice Greg w/hair shaving 2-blades & life sized targets. Never shot moose but I've been very close to a few. HUGE animals especially up close! Tendency is to shoot for the side of the barn. Wrong. Aim small miss small like a color change or hair behind the shoulder. Also like the heavier arrows at 750 grains or more. But, shoot what you shoot best. Great chance on this adventure. Best of luck. Pix please.

Huntschool · May 15, 2011, 10:46:00 AM

First, congrats on your graduation. Four years of work will pay off... Looks like they already have with the hunt.... LOL

I am going to agree with all the rest. You have a set up that shoots good. You can go with it. Yes, you could "work" on a slightly heavier arrow but what you have will work.

Where are you and your Dad going to hunt?

Go get em...

Caleb Andes · May 15, 2011, 11:08:00 AM

strait- oh there will be pix.. my dad has even opted to film me so you guys might get more than you bargin for..

Huntschool- were going to Ray's in Newfoundland.. We had alot of recommendations for his place and their success rate in the past five years has been just shy of 100%

Caleb Andes · May 15, 2011, 12:18:00 PM

Update.. I threw some 5gpi weight tubes in my arrows and decreased the tip weight by 20grs, paper tuned her up and am now shooting a 640 gr arrow.. should be sufficeint. My only question is by decreasing the tip weight will that hurt my FOC too much? currently im at 38% FOC

AKCrazyhorse · May 15, 2011, 12:34:00 PM

How are you measuring FOC? 38% is astronomical even for us guys who espouse to UEFOC. I shoot a 650 grain axis 600 shaft, 27.5" long with over 400 grains up front and I'm barely at 30%. sounds like something is off, especially if you are taking 20 grains off the point weight and still getting a FOC that high.

steadman · May 15, 2011, 02:29:00 PM

Your good to go. Shot mine last year with a 59# longbow with a 680 grain arrow and a 3 blade RFA broadhead. Blew through her at 30 yards. Congrats on graduating!

PowDuck · May 15, 2011, 03:45:00 PM

Awesome!! Congrats on graduating!!

Moose is my dream hunt. I always picture myself kneeling in a shallow creek bed shooting UP at a big bull moose. Looking forward to seeing the pics and video of you.

awbowman · May 15, 2011, 07:51:00 PM

I have never shot at a moose, but my advice to you is remember NOWHERE NEAR THE SHOULDER, there is plenty room further BEHIND the shoulder to get him. Don't try to put it right in the normal "pocket" associated with a smaller vital target like a deer.

They are huge animals and you need to get it to the vitals.

sbschindler · May 15, 2011, 08:13:00 PM

as AKcrazyhorse said check your FOC again, anything close to 20% is pretty good. also look at these pics of shot placement the hump is big and you will have to shoot a bit lower than you would on deer or elk, one other tip about shot placement do not use the off leg as a reference as we sometimes do on deer, the longer legs of moose change the geometerty.