Maine Moose Zone 2

[Moab34]

I still can’t believe it, but I’m that guy that draws a NR bull tag my first year applying. I hadn’t done much research figuring my odds were incredibly low and I was just playing the lottery / building points / making a donation. Any pointers / advice / outfitter recommendations from anyone that has personally hunted the zone? I’m on the fence about DIY or going with an outfitter. Open to both ideas but recognize this might be my only time up there chasing a bull and I don’t have time to go up and pre season scout. Ive learned a lot reading these forums and any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jstumbaugh]

Congrats, that's awesome. I've been applying in Maine for a long time. Good luck.

 

[Joshk358]

Congrats man!! Thats crazy. So, I had basically the same thing happen in 2013, but I had 6 years of applying. I would hire a guide. It is pretty much a OIL tag for non-residents....as much as I hate to say that, cause I want another tag!! Super awesome experience...that in my opinion could possibly be wasted without the use of a knowledgeable guide/outfitter. I used Ross Lake Camps. Don and Andrea Lavoie use to own it, but I believe several years ago they sold to one of their top guides at the time. They had run 100% on moose hunts. Anyway, good luck and hope to see some pictures of a monster bull!

 

[Berksbowman]

I’ll also be zone 2 with an outfitter. I hunted zone 2 3 years ago. An outfitter is certainly worth it for a trip of a lifetime.

 

[zeewhiteone]

Congrats man. Year 15 for me with no luck yet. I've had this conversation with friends, and actually had a buddy draw last year. If you can get up pre-season and scout multiple days and can bring your own quads and other gear (they are MA residents), DIY is certainly a fun way to go. If not, I'd pay the guide. High probability that this will be your only time hunting the Maine woods for moose.

 

[JDK]

z

If by quads you mean ATVs, they are not allowed in zone 2.

 

[zeewhiteone]

z

If by quads you mean ATVs, they are not allowed in zone 2.

Thanks for the clarification JDK. They were in Z4, but it's a good call out to check the specific regulations for each zone. I know their primary use was to run the logging roads

 

[Nine Banger]

We were in Zone 2 for cow season last year.

In 2.5 days hunting we saw 8 moose. 6 bulls, 1 cow and 1 calf.

If you're just going for the adventure, I think you're good without an outfitter.

If its very important to you to get a bull with trophy appeal I think your chances are iffy without an outfitter or a local.

All the bulls we saw were spikes except for one dink.

My impression is the locals keep tabs on the big bulls bedding areas and habits and are ready to go get them for themselves or sell info to the outfitters. The whole subpermittee thing they do has entire family units and extended family applying to draw with no intent to hunt but instead attach the actual person interested to their tag to allow that person to hunt a lot more than a regular draw. The locals end up hunting together like a clan. It looks like a huge unit on paper, but all the civilization is along Route 11 and all the moose news comes thru a couple of gas stations. The 3 seasons are short so everyone is hunting at the same time.

You're going to have a great time. I can't wait to draw again, even if its for a cow again.

 

[Moab34]

Thanks. I’ve decided to go the DIY route. I really just want the adventure and lead up that comes with a DIY hunt. I should be able to get in 2-3 days early before the season starts to do some scouting, I just don’t think I can make a trip this summer. A trophy size rack is not important to me, any legal bull will be a trophy to me.

 

[angelldogg]

good luck my man. you going sept or oct?

 

[Moab34]

September

 

[Berksbowman]

I’ve killed 5 bull moose. Just be prepared on how to get your moose out of the woods. On my last 2 trips to maine, the outfitter had portable gas winches and pulleys. With 4 people and the equipment it took several hours just to get the moose to the road.

 

[angelldogg]

I’ve killed 5 bull moose. Just be prepared on how to get your moose out of the woods. On my last 2 trips to maine, the outfitter had portable gas winches and pulleys. With 4 people and the equipment it took several hours just to get the moose to the road.

this is good advice. most people in maine take them out whole, but you can quarter and pack it out. either way just have a plan.

 

[Moab34]

Thanks the plan is to quarter. Planning on packing a come along, rope and block and tackle if I need to move it. I have 8 28”x50” and 4 20”x30” game bags. I’ll probably add a set of the cheap 60” alaskan game bags. 2 150qt coolers and a 120qt.

 

[thayerp81]

Congrats, if i were in your shoes I would 100% get an outfitter unless you have friends/ relatives in the area that can help with scouting/ intel. Even then it's still likely worth having an outfitter. My experience in VT is that the outfitters get info from locals and usually know a handful of areas that are holding a nice bull. You'll still have to hunt to find them, but at least you know you're starting in the right area.

 

[Dougfir]

Congrats on the tag! I'm heading to Zone 1 in October, as a sup-permitee and I'm pretty excited! Since you're going DIY, I'd recommend that you really do your research on the ins and outs of the North Maine Woods (camping, fires, safety on the roads, etc.) It's a pretty unique area!