When The Moose Call You

[Kevin Dill]

And by that title I mean, when you feel the call of moose country and all that quiet solitude waiting for you. For me....an admitted lover of moose and far-off places...I hear and feel the call every year as spring approaches.

2019 will see me back in central Alaska again as I give it another go. Unfortunately, my hunting partner from 2018 needed to answer a different call and will not be going with me this year. Great guy....longtime friend, and I will miss his abilities and enthusiasm. With short notice, none of the other guys I invited could accept and make it happen this year. I'll admit I have a very short list of guys I'm comfortable inviting and then spending 2 weeks with in camp. I have to be convinced of a guy's good character, work ethic and determination to hunt steadily. A guy with a very stable personality is needed. Anyway....it's getting down to crunch time with just over 6 months until departure, and it's looking like another solo trip for me. I've done solos for moose and caribou before, so it's not a new experience for me. Interestingly, my other solos weren't really of my choosing or preference. In those other cases I was looking for a new adventure and my pilot....who is a friend....was able to work me in to the schedule. Those hunts put me in some far-away backcountry and he didn't have time (enough) to get me and a partner in and out on those long flights.

My last solo was 2015 and I killed a good bull on the next to the last day. Pretty crazy story but no point rehashing it here. I was happy to avoid the bears and get all the meat out intact. I guess I should take some comfort in knowing my pilot thinks enough of my abilities to leave me alone for 12 days with a longbow, sidearm and satellite phone. I think most pilots are looking at the bottom line when they schedule hunters. I appreciate that my pilot understands the value of a true solo adventure, having done them himself. He's actually upbeat about taking me in solo for 2019. Or....maybe I should be worried by that....

So now being on the up side of 60 years old, I'm faced with getting into good physical condition and being ready for the challenge. My gear list will change some from last year, given I'm going in alone. I'm giving consideration to bringing a .45-70 guide gun, having seen 5 different grizzlies near camp last year. This blonde sow came within 75 yards.

There'll be a few more gear decisions to make. Which shelter? What stove? Which bourbon in the titanium flask? I'll be asking myself plenty of questions again. Maybe one of them is "Am I crazy?" I think that's already been answered though. Here's to those of us who hear and feel the call of moose country and those big swaggering giants.

 

[KJH]

Kevin,

I couldn't agree with you more. It calls me as well, and not a day goes by without thinking about moose hunting. The older I get them more I think about it too. There's a piece of my soul that's in Alaska in September and removed from civilization to share in all of Gods beauty. I share your exact sentiment about having the right partner for a trip. I missed last years season because I couldn't find a partner I would consider hunting with who was available. That's the curse of being an annual AK non-res hunter. I vowed not to do that again and you inspired me to go solo this year. I'm up for the challenge physically and mentally. I'm excited and have something to look forward to again. Besides we're out of moose meat! I'd go even if I couldn't hunt just to be there and enjoy it.

Thank you for this post. I second the "Here's to those of us who hear and feel the call of moose country and those big swaggering giants.". I've actually picked my bourbon for this trip and have been saving it for something truly deserving... a AK moose hunt is it.

 

[MallardMaster]

Thanks for sharing guys. I am interested in following along on this adventure and hearing about it as things progress forward.

 

[VernAK]

Great write up Kevin!

I'm having very similar thoughts but my age [77] and old back have to be considered. I'll probably just take a caribou tag to camp as they're a lot easier to handle.

 

[Thess87]

Good luck guys look forward to hearing about the trips. You’ve all helped me out with your knowledge. My first moose trip is booked for season after next and I already can’t stop thinking about it.

 

[LaGriz]

Kevin,
I have enjoyed your posts and benefited from your input on equipment. You are truly living the dream IMHO. Please have a safe an productive hunt!

After getting injured this past year, I'm feeling very mortal. I know what you are saying about finding a hunting buddy that will blend with your style and ability. I was blessed to have a great hunting partner with me when I dislocated (and fractured) my right shoulder last September. The accident ruined both of our hunts and the out-of-pocket costs were lost too. My friend rendered 1st aid, drove me to the ER, returned me to our base camp that he had to tear down and pack up the next day. He then drove me the 1200+ miles home and even unloaded my gear at the house! Mr. Ollie is 76 years old and is one tough cookie. He never brow beat me or made me feel low about my error that ruined a precious hunting opportunity. Old school and admittedly stubborn, they just don't come any better.

I have hunted solo before and enjoyed it. Its a challenge to hunt any big game spices solo, let alone an A/Y moose in a wilderness setting. I hope you convince one of your limited few hunting mates (with or without a tag) to join you. If not please be careful and thorough in your preparations.

My choice for the Ti flask would be George Dickel 12. Hey, if it was good enough for Merle......... LaGriz

 

[Kevin Dill]

Kevin,

I share your exact sentiment about having the right partner for a trip. I missed last years season because I couldn't find a partner I would consider hunting with who was available. That's the curse of being an annual AK non-res hunter. I vowed not to do that again and you inspired me to go solo this year. I'm up for the challenge physically and mentally. I'm excited and have something to look forward to again. Besides we're out of moose meat! ................... I've actually picked my bourbon for this trip and have been saving it for something truly deserving... a AK moose hunt is it.

I've had the benefit of friends who have done a good many Alaska solo trips for a range of animals. In most cases (I think) a partner wasn't available (or maybe wanted) and they went out alone. I've found out that depending on the presence of a hunting partner is one way to NOT go hunting. Certainly solo trips aren't for most, but if it comes down to stay home or go solo....I'm packing duffels! And besides, it adds a complete new sense of adventure and independence. I think the air smells just a little sharper when I'm alone.....I'm very connected to the whole environment.

Is this some sort of mystery bourbon you're taking? I hope it braces you up for carrying many heavy packloads of prime meat.

 

[KJH]

I decided last fall when I should be moose hunting that I was going solo if I needed to from now on. I read your posts and that was enough motivation for me. I'd rather go it alone than with someone who wasn't a fit for that type of remote hunting. I don't mind spending time alone or hard work and find it enjoyable most of the time. I want to be out there hunting and not entertaining someone or worrying about someone else enjoyment. Going on the trip is a blessing and getting to hunt is even better.

I received a gift of Jefferson's Ocean Bourbon from a good friend. That will be what's in the flask. There are so many out there that I enjoy, that its hard to choose... I know I like a short glass of something at night when I take my boots off and think back on the day.

 

[AKDoc]

The moose definitely call me...and I enthusiastically answer every single year!

My wife made me promise when we moved to Alaska over thirty years ago that I would not do any solo remote hunting, fishing, snow-machining, etc. I have kept my promise minus one experience when I had to medivac my hunting friend after he busted out his knee, and I remained in the field. As already mentioned by Kevin, I have been extremely, extremely picky about my remote outdoor friends outside of family. They must be strong of character, safety minded, and not excessive drinkers. I don't go hunting to entertain or babysit others.

Hey KJH, when you do get yourself out in moose country and you get back to camp after dark, sitting outside your tent, sipping that nice whiskey in the wonderfully quiet and cold darkness, recalling the day...put your Mountain House meal under your coat while it's "cooking". That sir, really finishes the day.

 

[LaGriz]

Kevin,
I can see your point. If a partner proves to be excessively negative, needy, bossy, or unpleasant when he doesn't get his way, I will not what him along. I do prefer to hunt alone during the daylight hours for the most part anyway. I do however, find it advantageous to share observations, stories of the day, and scouting info while sharing a meal in camp. Find that I especially like company in camp during a late season hunt. Also enjoy other peoples cooking on occasion. I have friends that can and do hunt harder than I have been able of late. I do not wish to cramp the style of any hunting buddy, or expect him to entertain me or modify his efforts because I'm not as fit. That being said, having some one to report your absence is not a bad thing. If a buddy gets himself injured or in a bind he will be gland he is not alone on the adventure.

LaGriz became my handle after I learned how much of a pussy I was on a solo elk hunt NE of Jackson Hole. I could not hunt in the Wilderness Area as a NR. While in the NF I found elk sign was scarce and Grizzly sign abundant. It really effected me and I was hunting with a rifle. Those "dinner plate" sized tracks (in my tracks) were intimidating. I can't only imagine how a solo hunt with a longbow would effect me in the "Bear Rich" environment you are headed to. Processing and packing out a mature bull moose must be a daunting task. Have never packed out a bull solo, but have broken down and bagged up an elk alone and it took a good effort. I was lucky that I could get the Toyota Land Cruiser in on a 2-track path to the kill site on that trip. You will have to pack out your bull and may have to make 7 or 8 round trips to the carcass in the process. Then you get to do this while wearing hip boots most likely. You must "embrace the suck" as they say to accomplish this! I'm looking forward to your posts as you continue to prepare for your solo hunt.
LaGriz

 

[AKBorn]

Kevin,

Best of luck on your solo longbow adventure, look forward to reading about it next winter! Those pics are awesome and make me long for the Alaskan backcountry. Looking forward to my caribou hunt with 40 Mile this Fall, taking up a high school friend who has never been to Alaska. He can't wait!

VernAK,

I always enjoy your stories and thoughts. I had planned to keep hunting remote AK until I am 70 (I will be 58 in a couple of weeks), but your post above makes me wonder if I am being soft! Perhaps I will reconsider as my 70th birthday approaches and keep going if I can.

Best of luck to all. the nice thing about Alaska is, Fall is only 6 months from now...

 

[Kevin Dill]

So far I've seen Dickell 12 and Jefferson's Ocean recommended. I think you guys have pretty good tastes in spirits. And speaking of spirits....Vern, I was dropped into Delta J after my hunt last year. My bud and I had a brew and a meal at The Cave, then I wandered down to the liquor store. I was pretty surprised at the quality wines and bourbons in there. They even had 3 bottles of Col E.H. Taylor Small Batch which can be a tough find anywhere.

Many thanks to all of you who share the passion. I often think about the wisdom of going in alone, but it's a calculated risk which I try to honestly confront and understand. I could be doing things which are less safe. Of course I could stay home and play it totally safe. If I'm really honest, the biggest threat is the bear, and he is often much worse in the imagination vs the reality. But there's always that chance. Probably the same reasons I ride a big touring Harley and enjoy it...while doing everything I can to mitigate risk of injury.

AKBorn....you're gonna love those Fortymile hills. Been there and done it. Supreme!

 

[AKBorn]

AKBorn....you're gonna love those Fortymile hills. Been there and done it. Supreme!

Thanks Kevin. Been hunting with 40 Mile since 2006. Of course, compared to VernAK that makes me a novice with them... Have been fortunate to tag moose, caribou, and a wolf, and see lots of bears...I really wish i could hunt Grizz up there without the guide requirement.

 

[ArrowForester]

Kevin,

I hope you have a great experience again this year. I have been filling my moose callings vicariously through your adventures for several seasons. I really need to figure out how to go again and just do it. Enjoy your preparation season and the anticipation. And if you get desperate for a Sherpa you can call me, I'd be happy to help carry your moose.

 

[VernAK]

Kevin,
If you think there is a chance you get dropped in Delta again, there's and extra toyota at the house. Yes, Ed does a good job with his grocery, restaurant and liquor store. It's nice to have some great choices when this far from the city.

AKBorn,
My great nephew from Maryland [in FL for college] is coming up this spring to hunt black bear and this was to be his first hunt ever but last week his buddy took him hog hunting in the FL swamps. I t should be fun to watch. School will prevent him from hunting moose with me. I'll probably send him home with one of my rifles.

For whatever reason, my avatar is blurry but packing those bulls up that hill behind me aren't as easy as they once were. As long as the Heart Institute and Mayo Clinic can keep me on my feet, I'll be out there with a young hunter.

 

[Kevin Dill]

Kevin,

I hope you have a great experience again this year. I have been filling my moose callings vicariously through your adventures for several seasons. I really need to figure out how to go again and just do it. Enjoy your preparation season and the anticipation. And if you get desperate for a Sherpa you can call me, I'd be happy to help carry your moose.

Thanks Duane. I know plenty enough about your character to know I wouldn't be desperate, lol. And I agree with you....sometimes a guy just has to figure it out and go before it gets too late.

Kevin,
If you think there is a chance you get dropped in Delta again, there's and extra toyota at the house. Yes, Ed does a good job with his grocery, restaurant and liquor store. It's nice to have some great choices when this far from the city.

For whatever reason, my avatar is blurry but packing those bulls up that hill behind me aren't as easy as they once were. As long as the Heart Institute and Mayo Clinic can keep me on my feet, I'll be out there with a young hunter.

Sincerely appreciated Vern. Tooling around Delta sounds like fun, and you're a true gentleman. I won't let that gentleman thing get out if you don't want, though. I'll be at the airstrip entrance on the left side...next to to the bushes, lol.

....and I like your strategy about young hunters. I might have to employ that myself.

 

[GLB]

Kevin, I totally understand what you are saying. Having a hunting partner that is compatible, and someone you trust is hard to come by. I was fortunate to draw a good tag this year, in an area that I hunted 20 years ago back when it was a OTC harvest tag. I was prepared to go alone for some of the same reasons until a good friend agreed to meet me here and help me with my hunt. He has been my hunting partner in the past and he is my first choice for many reasons.
Also, I would be interested in your workout preparation for this hunt. I have always stayed fit but aproaching 60 myself I need to be smart about my training.
As far going solo you seem to trust yourself and you have experience. I always believe in these situations that you make your own luck.

 

[KJH]

Col E.H. Taylor Small Batch which can be a tough find anywhere

I'm a fan of most of the stuff produced by Buffalo Trace... EH Taylor Single Barrel is one of the few higher alcohol content bourbons that I enjoy. There are others I like better, but I'd never pass on two finger glass of the Taylor!

 

[Kevin Dill]

GLB....I've hunted with some really great guys. Sometimes circumstances change and so do partners. I'm glad you've got a good dependable guy going with you.

As far as workouts and getting in shape, my main thing is always to keep my weight down. Excess pounds kill my abilities more than anything else. I weigh myself every day and log it. I drop pounds when I need. Right or wrong, I don't do much dedicated workouts to get in shape. I work pretty hard all summer and I'm generally in decent condition. I don't need a lot of excess cardio for day-to-day moose hunting, as I never hunt more than a mile from camp...less when solo. I do need to maintain strength overall for the obvious tasks of propelling myself up-hill to vantage points....carrying a pack everywhere....and then packing out meat.

 

[rayporter]

solo- my bud had a stroke just before we were to leave and I almost could not find a pardner. I was on the verge of a solo trip to the brooks when I found one. he was border line but we managed. after the trip he got so negative about it we don't speak now, but on the trip he pulled his wt and did not complain.

imagine a fellow that did not appreciate a FREE trip [ and he killed a bou]

ya cant sweat the small stuff!!!

and I do like your posts -- I cant do that anymore but I sure do dream.