Hunt the opener, or hunt the rut?

[PA Hunter]

In your opinion, what is the best week for Newfoundland? I’ve read a lot of different thoughts, but consensus seems to be first week of October or last week of September.

First week in October.

 

[PA Hunter]

I'm in the process of booking a moose hunt in Newfoundland. I've researched it, read trip reports, and I still don't have a clear answer. I'll laugh if the poll results are exactly split.

FWIW, I have asked the outfitter, and he recommends opening week. But I'm suspicious that this may be because he only has opening week available. I'll ask him what weeks are available - I should have posed the question to him in that manner from the start.

Some factors on my mind are hunting pressure, the fact that the biggest moose around could, in theory, be shot opening week. Weather issues? Too warm early in the season? Obviously moose during the rut will be more active/responsive to calling, but does that trump weather?

So which week would you prefer to

I'm in the process of booking a moose hunt in Newfoundland. I've researched it, read trip reports, and I still don't have a clear answer. I'll laugh if the poll results are exactly split.

FWIW, I have asked the outfitter, and he recommends opening week. But I'm suspicious that this may be because he only has opening week available. I'll ask him what weeks are available - I should have posed the question to him in that manner from the start.

Some factors on my mind are hunting pressure, the fact that the biggest moose around could, in theory, be shot opening week. Weather issues? Too warm early in the season? Obviously moose during the rut will be more active/responsive to calling, but does that trump weather?

So which week would you prefer to hunt?

All my hunts in Newfoundland have been climb to vantage point around bogs and call. My guides will not walk around spotting and stalking as where I hunt you can’t just walk wherever you want without falling in a 9 ft deep bog. Where I hunt it’s imperative to call them into range. You may see one 900 yds away but you may just have to watch him walk away if not in rut. It is a rush calling them in thrashing trees.

 

[Short Track]

I hunted opening week. 3 of 10 guys got something. 80 degrees outside. I got a Bear. Only saw Moose at dawn. too early to shoot. I had to go back end of season in late November to fill my Moose tag.