AK diy moose?

[geriggs]

Thanks, my goal is to kill a bull moose of any size. My ultimate dream would be to kill one with my bow. I think I will bring the rifle. If I am successfull and I am able to get back (I hope )......I would take my bow for subsequent trip.

 

[Kevin Dill]

I don't pass judgment on people for doing what's right for them, but sometimes I see decisions that I know will cause them regret. Some guys are very weapon-specific (bow) and any other weapon won't really satisfy their inner desire. Those are the guys who should or will take a bow (only) and go for the adventure.

One thing: Moose are obviously very large and very impressive animals. Having them in bow range is like nothing else you can experience. A fully mature bull raking and posturing at less than 50 yards will chew into your guts...your psyche...and leave you in awe of his size and power. Killing one at 200+ yards doesn't allow that to happen, and you'll only appreciate his bulk from the perspective of his death bed. I need them close in order to be satisfied with the kill. My last one was a 6 yard upward shot from my knees with my longbow. I have never felt more satisfied with a kill.

Again...know yourself and honor that. In the end it's about memories, smiles and adventure.

 

[geriggs]

That did not help...... Lol

 

[aggieland]

Kevin, I want to hunt Alaska with you one year and learn the ropes!!!!!! Would be a dream to kill a big Bull Moose with the longbow, just trying to plan for this upcoming caribou hunt has me concerned about even getting a shot at one.. Love the info and stories, Keep them coming.

 

[Larry Bartlett]

Kevin, you give great advice, man. I enjoy reading your posts. Keep up the great work, brother. It's great to see another spirit evolve to a place of personal confidence and hunting peace. I hope you have kids that you can pass on the wisdom. Rep points fo sho!

LB

 

[Larry Bartlett]

OO, I hope you score a nice bear with your bow. Sweet!

 

[Kevin Dill]

Thanks Larry. Call me an enthusiastic adventurer...I need the fun and excitement as much or more than I need the kill. I'm just a guy who is willing to never carry a rifle and can accept the outcome. I always hope for the kill (pre-hunt) but I never go home feeling disappointed overall if my arrows stay quivered. I've had a good many bulls at rock-throwing range and nothing compares to that. I've been beaten by old bulls a few times and it just strengthens my resolve to get better. Last September I had a 10 day chess match with a bull I named Sledgehammer and almost killed him once. The fact that I didn't close the deal just makes me itch to get back there. I could have easily killed that bull with a rifle, but it would have been a hollow victory for this longbow guy.

Moose are on hold for me this year. I've got an interesting deal going...a Cub flight into eastern AK and a solo drop in the mountains for caribou. I'm going alone for 10 days and of course it's my longbow and me. I know it'll be a great adventure regardless of any dead animals. Hey...how can a guy go home unhappy when he wakes up to scenery like this every day?

 

[Vance in AK]

Kevin, my first bull (shirus in Montana) was a solo hunt with my Pronghorn longbow & I will never forget it. The flight of the arrow, watching the yellow nock & cap dip as they intersected with his heart/lungs just at last light... I was a died in the wool long bow hunter during that phase of my life (lived 5 minutes from the Howard Hill shop ) and no other weapon would have satisfied so I understand.
My second bull didn't come until 2 seasons ago (16 seasons later). My heart had changed & I was loving my Marlin Guide gun in 450 Marlin with a scout scope. Busted that little bull at about 95yds & you couldn't take the smile off my face for days. 16 years before it would indeed have been a hollow, business only transaction... I would have felt like I cheated. It's all about what makes your heart smile.
Enjoy your caribou hunt & take MANY pictures for us!