I was at a sports show this past weekend, and on my dream list of hunts for the past 5 years or so was a Canadian moose hunt. Up until this year, it seemed far and few between that any outfitters were even offering them. I heard the population really took a hit between wolves and some type of disease they were catching from whitetail deer. I saw more offerings this year at the show I attended than all of the shows I attended combined in the last 5 years. From my research, it seems if you want a big one--go west. BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba. Conversely, the strongest population seemed to be east in Newfoundland, but the moose were smaller.
What I've been trying to do to narrow the field is find some recent reviews of outfitters. I don't expect anyone to guarantee you'll get a moose, because that's on the hunter to deliver. But I would very much like to hear someone say that there is close to a 100% opportunity rate.
Does anyone have any firsthand experience on outfitters in Canada they can recommend for moose hunting?
I suppose the other thing worth mentioning is that kind of an important caveat is that I was really striving for finding an outfitter with a lodge that has WiFi. Personally, it's something I would prefer to be without. However, as a small business owner I don't have the luxury of being completely off the grid for a week.
bobdahunter; Good morning to you, I hope the day in your part of the planet is shaping up nicely and you're well.
Welcome to the 'Fire from just north of the medicine line in south central BC.
We've cobbled together a pretty good treasure trove of information for travelling hunters here. While some of the particulars have changed in the last decade plus, the links are still good.
My moose information is only here in BC and sorry to say it's not great news as our game populations have been on the downward slide for the past few years, moose in particular. I'd perhaps go so far as to say if someone thought they could offer you 100% chance at a moose they've either got one locked in the barn or they're not being entirely truthful.
As for wifi here in BC, we're in the second most populated chunk of the province and there are spots down in the valley where there is no service. On the mountain behind the house there's places I can see the big Doug Fir at the top of our driveway but there's no service. When the beer flu hit and my wife attempted to work from home here, the ether webs were too slow and none of the providers were even remotely hopeful or interested in getting high speed out here - and again we're just off the valley floor in our semi-rural property.
Wherever you choose, again I'll strongly suggest you call unsuccessful hunters as well just to see what they say.
Sorry for the less than positive reports back to you since our outfitters for sure are hurting after the shutdowns and could use the work.
Good luck on the moose hunt whichever way you decide.
I was at a sports show this past weekend, and on my dream list of hunts for the past 5 years or so was a Canadian moose hunt. Up until this year, it seemed far and few between that any outfitters were even offering them. I heard the population really took a hit between wolves and some type of disease they were catching from whitetail deer. I saw more offerings this year at the show I attended than all of the shows I attended combined in the last 5 years. From my research, it seems if you want a big one--go west. BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba. Conversely, the strongest population seemed to be east in Newfoundland, but the moose were smaller.
What I've been trying to do to narrow the field is find some recent reviews of outfitters. I don't expect anyone to guarantee you'll get a moose, because that's on the hunter to deliver. But I would very much like to hear someone say that there is close to a 100% opportunity rate.
Does anyone have any firsthand experience on outfitters in Canada they can recommend for moose hunting?
I suppose the other thing worth mentioning is that kind of an important caveat is that I was really striving for finding an outfitter with a lodge that has WiFi. Personally, it's something I would prefer to be without. However, as a small business owner I don't have the luxury of being completely off the grid for a week.
bobdahunter
The most important thing to know about guides is that their rates are all over the map. Do you mind me asking what your budget for this moose hunt is?
And is a huge trophy a must? The bigger the moose you want a crack at the more $$$ you can expect to pay.
I hunted Moose in Newfoundland in 2021 and 2022 and two trips don't make me an expert but here is my two cents worth.
I feel like moose numbers are pretty good and the country is pretty open as compared to most of eastern Canada. Its easy to see moose and success rates are high, but not guaranteed.
My last outfitter had nice fly in camps with a generator and wifi (the wifi was quite a surprise) and our cook was maybe closer to a chef than cook. The guides worked hard and knew the ground and moose well. It was a good experience in general and I will go back.
However I did feel that the quality of the moose wasn't that great. The outfitter takes in 5 or 6 hunters a week between two camps for a season that s something like 4 or 5 weeks long. Thats a lot of bull moose out of the two camps. Our camp had maybe two hundred pictures of moose taken pinned up on the walls dating back to the early 2000's Looking through them, its clear they were on average taking considerably bigger moose 15 years ago than they do today. When I crossed on the Ferry each time I walked up and down the rows of trucks waiting and chatted with the hunters and checked out the racks and I think that my impression that the moose aren't that big is generally true. yes there were a few good sized moose but they were really not very common
I have hunted Ontario twice, New Brunswick three times and Maine once and all but one of our Ontario/NB/Maine moose would have been in the top 20% of what I saw on the ferry.
To summarize I would say its a nice experience, a fun hunt, you don't have to fight or draw for a tag, but if your looking for once in the lifetime hunt and your looking for 45"+ bull.. its not where I would go.
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In terms of my budget, I guess from what I've seen out there, the low side would be $8K for a week. The high side seems to be $12ish thousand. I'm not sure why that if you cross the border to Alaska, the price doubles. I guess I'm somewhat lesser concerned about price than I am picking the right outfitter and having a great experience. Put it this way--I'd much rather spend $12K and have a great hunt, then spend $8K and be disappointed.
And @noKnees- Thanks much for your thorough review of Newfoundland. That seemed to echo the sentiments I have heard about Newfoundland. Will you see moose? Certainly. If you're doing it one time in your life and want a once in a lifetime bull--probably not the place.
The one thing I have seen on some sites is that some outfitters would encourage you to buy a bear and/or elk license, and if the opportunity came, take one of those too. That seemed kind of intriguing but I also wasn't sure the likelihood of seeing those animals either, and I might just be donating money to the Canadian government...
If you want a chance at a trophy of a lifetime $40,000.00, I would check out a Yukon Hunt with these guys: MacMillan River Adventures
YUKON MOOSE BOAT OR HORSE CAMP HUNT $35,500.00 ALL INCLUSIVE: Hunt Dates: Aug 31-Sept 12 (horse only) Sept 14-23 (boat or horse) or Sept 25-Oct 04 (boat or horse) - Includes moose seal, Outfitter and Yukon Gov’t trophy fees and trophy handling fees on moose harvest. - Includes 10 full days in the field hunting; 12 day trip out of Whitehorse
$8,000.00 seems low to me, but you can get on hunts in Newfoundland with 95% success rates for $10,000.00 +
Resident success rates have dropped significantly over the past 3 years—because they kicked back the opening of the season—so moose don’t answer the call much. From what I see our moose populations have recovered signifcantly. All the old good outfitters I used to know are—like me—old and feeble retired—or dead. I would look at a fly-in or lodge up in the Red Lake country. But on a fly-in you prolly won’t have internet service.
If you’re a rifle hunter I can recommend Ironbound Outfitters in Newfoundland, not so much for archery. Probably won’t have Wi-Fi and might be a little more then 8k.
Much appreciated by everyone who has chimed in so far! This forum is absolutely the best. I'm eating this info up. Look forward to any other insight folks can share.
I'm from Ontario and hunted moose for years. The mount shown as my avatar is the best I personally have taken. Neither I or my buddies claim to be expert hunters or callers although over the years we have had many moose respond to the call. Having taken Only one hunt and using a native guide my experience here is limited. Our experience on that one hunt was an unmitigated disaster. The only moose that came in was called by me and the guide was useless. We dispensed with his services(?) after 3 days.
In Ontario it is my understanding the best success is found north of Kenora in the fly in areas as suggested by Karl earlier.
From everything I have read I think your best chance of getting a moose would be in Newfoundland. They may not be the largest but if you have never gotten one I think you would enjoy the experience. I have personally never understood the need for a large set of antlers. Any bull that can be drawn out of the bush by calling and coming in grunting to my way of thinking is a trophy. In addition the provide a grand amount of excellent eating. Being out in the bush watching the sunrises and sunsets, and sometimes the aurora borealis after dark are priceless experiences.
I realize everyone has different desires but think to achieve what you want will likely take more than one trip and far more money than you have planned for one trip. I don't like to be a killjoy, only trying to be realistic.
All the best in your search. Let us know in the Fall how it goes!
Thanks for that Jim. For one, when the question was asked about my budget, I just mentioned the pricing I had seen online when I gave the range of 8 to 12k. My budget is certainly open ended if I found a place that checked the boxes and had positive reviews. Although I will say I wasnt going into it thinking $20k+. I suppose I could spend that much but it wasn't really my intention either.
I concur that I think Newfoundland may be a better choice. It's more important to me to get A BULL rather than holding out for some ginormous record book trophy.
This will be a 2024 hunt for me. Already going to Africa in 2023 for cape buffalo, eland, kudu, gemsbok, and zebra. If I want to stay married, I need to space my excursions out...
Going back to Newfoundland and hunt with CONNE RIVER OUTFITTERS. Hunted with them in 2018 at their fly in camp. 3 moose were taken with 44”-46” spread and 3 more from a single antler (my son shot) and two 11-15 point
In 2021 we went with Tuckamore Lodge on the Western Peninsula. Four or so hours due north of Port Aux Basque. She runs a good operation.
The moose around CONNE RIVER were bigger than those we saw and shot on the Western Peninsula. For me it’s about the journey and if a trophy comes along, I’ll shoot.
I'll throw two names out. One in BC and the other in Saskatchewan. Jim Lancaster of Copper River Outfitters. Central BC. Not giant moose but a superb and honest guy.
The other is Kyler Knelson in Saskatchewan. Fly in hunt , Northern bush area. Chance at bigger moose. More expensive but probably a hunt of a lifetime for some.
I have killed 4 A-Y moose. 2 on unguided drop off hunts. If you gotta have contact, get a satellite phone or an Inreach.
I'm also enamored of moose hunting. The Mrs and I did two drop hunts in AK without any dead moose to show. I think I have some strange power to attract Brown Bears and repel moose. Still great adventures and I may try again there someday. I went to central Canada last year, this time guided, with my bride along as well. I was the only hunter of 4 that week that did not get a shot at a bull. The other 3 hunters did kill bulls. It was another good adventure with a few negatives. One of the guides, I swear, must have been an antihunter as he seemed to do everything in his power to sabotage our efforts. At least it seemed so. He was new and got fired, but did kind of spoil the end of the hunt. My main guide was great, and the outfitter seemed so too. Overall, much more good than bad. We were in the game every day despite very warm weather. I'm going back this fall with the same outfit, so I guess that says something. We ate moose a few times up there and the meat was really good. I will absolutely shoot a meat bull if I see one.
In my 60's now, I still plan to hunt moose as often as I can. As a general rule, central Canadian hunts seem to go $12-14K for 1 on 1 guiding and 9-10K for 2:1. Good hunts are in demand and I would expect these costs to keep rising. The better outfitters have high success rates. I'll probably not hunt Newfoundland as the distance is greater for me and the central provinces still have good moose numbers. They also have nice people and great wilderness areas to hunt. I suppose I could hunt guided in Ak, The Yukon or NWT, but the cost is more than I really want to pay. I genuinely enjoyed going unguided in AK, but father time is already limiting how far I can pack 600lb of moose on my back. I think I still may have one or two more AK tries left in me. Best wishes to you on your hunt and, hopefully, with your eventual escape from your electronic tether.
Just the musings of an old peckerwood here—but I know a young fella—he’s 45 to 50 years old and works a paper mill in Alberta. He started hunting with me when he was a teenager so I know he’s killed his share of moose. He still comes home to Nipigon to hunt with family but he really likes Saskatchewan. He says moose there are bigger than here and more numerous—hunts somewhere around Pelly ,SK I think.
kkahmann; Good afternoon my cyber friend, I trust that you're getting appropriate weather out in Nipigon and you're well.
Pelly is just a wee bit north of Kamsack and just out of Duck Mountain Park. We farmed south of there about an hour.
There were always moose and elk up there but not where we farmed, but that's changed now so I'm told.
One day when our daughter and I saw 4 moose out on the mountain behind the house - two cows, one spike bull and one of the biggest BC bulls I've seen - I mentioned it to my brother who is still on the farm and he replied he'd seen seven bulls in one field just north of his place!!
This bull elk was taken a year or two back near the park so Pelly area again.
Anyways, it's interesting how small the cyber world can be sometimes isn't it?
All the best to you as we hopefully head into spring.
https://westwoodsoutfitters.com/testimonials/ Check them out. Absolutely the very best guided hunts of my lifetime. Most of his business is returning hunters from years past. He is usually fully booked early. Check out the whole website.
BE STRONG IN THE LORD, AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. ~ Ephesians 6:10
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. --Winston Churchill
https://westwoodsoutfitters.com/testimonials/ Check them out. Absolutely the very best guided hunts of my lifetime. Most of his business is returning hunters from years past. He is usually fully booked early. Check out the whole website.
+1 - We've been with them once and we're going with them in 2024.
If something on the internet makes you angry the odds are you're being manipulated
Hope your doing well Dwayne it’s still full-blown winter here didn’t get above freezing today and still have 6 ft of snow hereabouts. I really don’t know anything about Saskatchewan just what my friend has told me—he did mention that he saw plenty of large bull elk while he was moose hunting. I have also heard from friends who duck hunt southern Alberta—seems the moose population on the prairies has increased—which seems strange—Prairie Moose.
Hope your doing well Dwayne it’s still full-blown winter here didn’t get above freezing today and still have 6 ft of snow hereabouts. I really don’t know anything about Saskatchewan just what my friend has told me—he did mention that he saw plenty of large bull elk while he was moose hunting. I have also heard from friends who duck hunt southern Alberta—seems the moose population on the prairies has increased—which seems strange—Prairie Moose.
Western moose have been moving into the southern parts of prairie Provinces for quite a few years and they have proven very adaptable. There are actually a few areas where there is a very good chance of taking a trophy bull if that is what the hunter is looking for It's more like hunting white tail on farm land than a wilderness hunt though . Cat
I concur that I think Newfoundland may be a better choice. It's more important to me to get A BULL rather than holding out for some ginormous record book trophy. .
Newfoundland.
Decades of voting for the lesser of two evils has gotten us just that.....
kkahmann; Good afternoon my cyber friend, I trust that you're getting appropriate weather out in Nipigon and you're well.
Pelly is just a wee bit north of Kamsack and just out of Duck Mountain Park. We farmed south of there about an hour.
There were always moose and elk up there but not where we farmed, but that's changed now so I'm told.
One day when our daughter and I saw 4 moose out on the mountain behind the house - two cows, one spike bull and one of the biggest BC bulls I've seen - I mentioned it to my brother who is still on the farm and he replied he'd seen seven bulls in one field just north of his place!!
This bull elk was taken a year or two back near the park so Pelly area again.
Anyways, it's interesting how small the cyber world can be sometimes isn't it?
All the best to you as we hopefully head into spring.
Dwayne
Good morning Dwayne, I trust you are getting ready to enjoy your spring, 4 geese arrived at our lake this week, so I am looking forward to seeing all of the waterfowl when they arrive and the ice GONE!
I have Bow Hunted Moose in the Duck mountains when I lived in Manitoba. I was stalking a really good bull with two cows that were feeding in a lake. As I was getting within range one of the cows saw me and the "Gig" was up and the feather on my head wilted again lol. I Have heard the moose numbers are down in the Duck, are they on the rebound? Lots of Native pressure and there was a big tick problem, but that was a while back.
I have also fished the Duck Mountain Provincial Park and caught a beautiful 7 lbs. Brown Trout in Laurie Lake, a beautiful place to Hunt and Fish!
I wanted to comment on that JUMBO Elk in the picture you posted, what a stud hey? Do you know what he scored, looks like a 400+" bull. One thing a lot of people do not know is that Manitoba and Saskatchewan grow some of the most enormous Elk and Black Bears in the world, specifically in the Duck Mountain and Riding Mountain Parks.
I will always have fond memories of Hunting both Parks, although my elk and bear hunting around Riding Mountain was not within the park itself but around the edge of the park, which made elk hunting very difficult! Them elk are far from stupid, and they would feed outside of the park and as soon as the sun was rising, they typically bolted for the park line at 100 mph. I swear they actually knew where the boundary line was, as if it was a line drawn in the sand lol.
KillerBee; Top of the morning to you sir, thanks for the greeting and back at you with hopes for a decent day.
It's still freezing at night here but up to 15°C during the day so that's given us some greening up.
My information on anything going on out east there is mostly from family who are an hour south on the farm where I grew up and where we farmed for a bit as well before drifting west, so sorry it's not more specific.
The bull was 421 5/8 non typical so a smoker for sure and heavy too as the Manitoba subspecies tend to get if they're getting good food.
Way, way back in the day, must have been 1977 I believe, my late Dad and I hunted moose east of Hudson Bay and Erwood which is north of there still, but that's as close to hunting there other than hunting on the farm that I've ever been. We left Saskatchewan in the spring of '84 so the fall of '83 was our last Saskatchewan hunt and it was whitetail on the quarter section across the road from our house.
Once again though, it's interesting how small the world gets sometimes with folks who've hunted or been to the same spots over the years.
Thanks all for your help. I researched several of the outfitters listed here. I spoke at length with Scott that runs Ray's Hunting and Fishing. It checks all of my boxes. He seems like a nice guy. Answered all my questions. So I'm booking with him for September 2024 with a black bear add-on.
Now the question is choosing the right poison from my safe. I'm leaning towards the pre 64 Model 70 in 338 Win Mag. But also considering the Mark V 300 win mag.
I considered the pre 64 model 70 375 H&H. But the drop could be more than I want to deal with if the shot is 200 yds.
Any suggestions from the seasoned vets would be appreciated.
Hi bobdahunter, I have killed many moose, did Scott tell you what to expect in terms of shooting range/distance and what do you currently own in terms of calibers?
My post mentioned the 3 I was considering. I think I narrowed it down to 338 Win Mag or 300 Weatherby.
So basically it's a chip shot lol
I have killed moose at 500 yards with my .30-06, I also own a .300 Weatherby Win Mag. I would go with the one you are more comfortable with. A .300 Win Mag will do the trick at that range ALL DAY LONG!
Thanks all for your help. I researched several of the outfitters listed here. I spoke at length with Scott that runs Ray's Hunting and Fishing. It checks all of my boxes. He seems like a nice guy. Answered all my questions. So I'm booking with him for September 2024 with a black bear add-on.
Now the question is choosing the right poison from my safe. I'm leaning towards the pre 64 Model 70 in 338 Win Mag. But also considering the Mark V 300 win mag.
I considered the pre 64 model 70 375 H&H. But the drop could be more than I want to deal with if the shot is 200 yds.
Any suggestions from the seasoned vets would be appreciated.
bobdahunter; Good afternoon to you sir, I hope the day in your part of the planet it a tad warmer and less breezy than we're getting, but regardless of the weather I hope you're well.
My personal experience with moose is limited to the .308 Norma Mag and it worked fine.
I grew up eating Saskatchewan moose, mostly cows and calves back then with the odd bull taken by my late father and late uncle on their annual trip into the Canadian Shield country near the Manitoba border. Dad started with a .303, then bought a .250 Savage and finally used a Winchester 100 in .308 which he considered the ultimate moose rifle. My late uncle always used a Lee Enfield .303 for his entire life.
Another family member that I've been reloading ammo for nearly 40 years for has killed many BC bulls up in the Cariboo region mostly with 180gr Sierra Pro Hunters in a Lee Enfield .303 which was one of many restocked, reblued and cleaned up by Parker Hale back in the day.
My father used to say moose aren't that hard to kill, but sometimes it took them a wee bit to realize they were dead.
Any of the choices you mentioned would work fine for a bull, as long as you were using bullets appropriate for the velocity and you place them carefully.
That said, the most common complaint I hear from local guides in my section of southern BC regarding visiting hunters is that they cannot shoot from modified field positions in a timely fashion.
Therefore, I'd suggest that if you have either a favorite in the safe that you shoot a wee bit better than the others - I know I have a couple where that's the case - then they'd get the nod.
As well, since it's not an annual event, if you've purchased one or two "because you might go moose hunting some day" then they deserve the nod as well.
Whichever of those you can shoot the quickest from field positions with is the one to take.
Moose are big and they have a huge vital area, but they don't always hang around to see what's going to happen next, so again, the speedy shooting one might be useful.
Lastly, if it's not a huge issue moving more than one rifle up to hunt with, I'd bring my own spare for sure. We seldom head out anywhere for an extended hunt without a spare rifle, because stuff happens sometimes right?
Hope that made a wee bit of sense and was useful.
Good luck on your hunt whichever arm out of the safe accompanies you.
https://westwoodsoutfitters.com/testimonials/ Check them out. Absolutely the very best guided hunts of my lifetime. Most of his business is returning hunters from years past. He is usually fully booked early. Check out the whole website.
I went up & hunted with Westwoods in 2014 and I highly recommend them. Great bunch of people. They didn't have wifi back then but a quick call to Stewart would get you an answer.
Originally Posted by bobdahunter
He said typical rifle range is 100-200 yds.
My post mentioned the 3 I was considering. I think I narrowed it down to 338 Win Mag or 300 Weatherby.
I thought I needed a magnum so I traded for a 300 Win Mag. I called Stewart at Westwoods before my hunt and asked him what they shot moose with. He said 308's and 30-30's. (I used a 338 Federal)
Wag more, bark less.
The freedoms we surrender today will be the freedoms our grandchildren will never know existed.
The men who wrote the Second Amendment didn't just finish a hunting trip, they just finished liberating a nation.
Killerbee- i put Leupold scopes on everything i own. The pre 64 model 70 338 Win Mag has a new VX-HD3 4.5-14X50. The Mark V has an older VX3 4.5-14 x 40. Even scoped up my DG African rifles. Both pre 64 70's in 375 h&h and a custom Biesen in 458 Lott have the VX-6HD 1-6x24 on them.
I watched the videos for Ray's. I would say it's a mix. Certainly some wooded and some clearer country. The bow hunters were more in the brush with rifle hunters more in the open.
I did reach out to Westwood. Seemed good too but they were booked through 2024.
To your point BC30, maybe I bring both the 338 and 300 weatherby. I'm leaning towards the 338 but nothing wrong with the weatherby as a backup. The weatherby has a break on it, so the guide may prefer i use the 338...
bobdahunter; Good afternoon once more sir, I still hope you're well and thanks for the reply.
Regarding the muzzle brake, for sure ask the outfitter before bringing one because at very least they may want to know about it.
A buddy who used to guide up on the north coast of BC for bears had one poor experience with a hunter and a braked .340 Weatherby, after which he either wouldn't guide for a hunter with a braked rifle or they had to follow very specific rules he set out.
The .338 is a grand cartridge as is the .375 H&H. Buddy who got brake blasted carried a Sako .375 H&H and his boss carried a .338. No flies on either for sure.
A fellow should shoot whatever warms his cockles, but a 300 Savage is plenty for big game under 250 yards. And the 30-06 is a relative cannon at these distances. 😳
If you’re a rifle hunter I can recommend Ironbound Outfitters in Newfoundland, not so much for archery. Probably won’t have Wi-Fi and might be a little more then 8k.
All Americans need to be fully vaccinated. I hope they changed that.
But the fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, Gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5: 22&23
If you’re a rifle hunter I can recommend Ironbound Outfitters in Newfoundland, not so much for archery. Probably won’t have Wi-Fi and might be a little more then 8k.
All Americans need to be fully vaccinated. I hope they changed that.
Canada dropped all Covid border requirements last fall. Is this a Newfoundland thing?
Killerbee- i put Leupold scopes on everything i own. The pre 64 model 70 338 Win Mag has a new VX-HD3 4.5-14X50. The Mark V has an older VX3 4.5-14 x 40. Even scoped up my DG African rifles. Both pre 64 70's in 375 h&h and a custom Biesen in 458 Lott have the VX-6HD 1-6x24 on them.
I watched the videos for Ray's. I would say it's a mix. Certainly some wooded and some clearer country. The bow hunters were more in the brush with rifle hunters more in the open.
I did reach out to Westwood. Seemed good too but they were booked through 2024.
To your point BC30, maybe I bring both the 338 and 300 weatherby. I'm leaning towards the 338 but nothing wrong with the weatherby as a backup. The weatherby has a break on it, so the guide may prefer i use the 338...
Hi bobdahunter, nice scopes that's for sure, and for the distances you mentioned, they are a great choice.
On my .30-06 I use a Bausch and Lomb Rainguard Elite 4200 2.5-10 x 40, and I have taken a lot of moose with it and so many deer I forgot how many. I have never had any issues zooming in for a kill shot @ 200 yards and when you are hunting in the bush I like the lower power.
I have only killed moose with my .30-06 and bow, so 30 Cals are great medicine for moose. I bought and set up my .300 Win Mag for elk and longer range shooting, since every time I get a chance to kill one with a rifle they are 500 yards+ away.
For shots ranging between 150-200 yards, yours are an excellent choice and all you will ever need.
I have never owned a Muzzle Break, because I am not a range shooter that shoots many rounds and needs relief. I do not even feel the recoil when I am hunting and taking my shot since I am so focused. So, they are not necessary in my case. First time I heard one go off I was at a range standing in the wrong place too close to the shooter and I thought a canon went off. I remember saying WHAT THE F WAS THAT! lol.
Wishing you all the best in finding an excellent guide and enjoying a fun hunt, moose meat is one of my favorites and moose cheeseburgers are one of my favorite meals.
Much appreciated KB. Excellent info. Looking forward to hunting with Ray's Hunting and Fishing Lodge mid September next year to get my moose!
You mentioned your setup for long range elk. I too purchased a long range rifle so Im prepared when the opportunity comes up to do some long range hunting. In the fall I bought a Browning Hells Canyon chambered in 26 Nosler. Threw a Leupold VX-6HD 4-24X52 on it. I bore sighted it a couple months ago and threw it back in my safe. But when the weather warms here in Wisconsin, looking forward to getting it dialed in.
Much appreciated KB. Excellent info. Looking forward to hunting with Ray's Hunting and Fishing Lodge mid September next year to get my moose!
You mentioned your setup for long range elk. I too purchased a long range rifle so Im prepared when the opportunity comes up to do some long range hunting. In the fall I bought a Browning Hells Canyon chambered in 26 Nosler. Threw a Leupold VX-6HD 4-24X52 on it. I bore sighted it a couple months ago and threw it back in my safe. But when the weather warms here in Wisconsin, looking forward to getting it dialed in.
Good luck to you!
By the way bobdahunter, before I posted Rays Hunting and Fishing Lodge in this thread for you, I called and spoke to them and told them I was inquiring for a friend, seemed like a nice guy!
I am happy I was able to be of assistance. That is what makes this site great, people you do not even know are on your team and want to see you succeed.
My Long-range setup is my Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight in .300 Win mag, which I customized by removing the factory barrel and replacing it with a Wilson Match Grade #3 Contour barrel. I fluted the barrel to minimize the weight. After testing it and not liking the results I glass bedded and free-floated the barrel, not its a sub-MOA Tack Driver.
I topped it off with a Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50 LR and I shoot Nosler Trophy Grade ABLR's in 190 gr. I Like it and hope to get an opportunity to use it on elk this fall. If I ever make it to Africa, that is the rifle I will be taking. A few pictures below
Hunting with a guide/outfitters is not hunting, zero hunting skills required, basically it's shooting.
KB
Interesting to see you offering up so much advice to a guy looking for a guided hunt. Why don't you tell him how you really feel.
Good morning AO TROLL.
I personally do not use guides, don't have to because I do my own research, pre-season scouting and calling, so I don't need to be guided to animals since I hunt in the province I live in and hunt.
If I wanted to go out of the country I would use a guide, would be stupid not to. What I did say is that I do not consider guided hunts, hunting, I consider them Shooting events, where all that is required is shooting skills, since the guide does all the work, knows the area, and takes you to the animal.
For instance one of my father's friends was at one time ranked as #4 Big Game hunter of his time, I believe. His game room was not a game room, it was a 14000 sq. ft. building of the biggest full mounts of everything. He was an extremely wealthy man that paid guides huge amounts of money to put him over record book animals.
He would get a call, get on his jet and go shoot the animal that was located and hunted for him, including moose, elk, sheep, polar bears, Kodiak, grizzlies, black bears, elephants lions, tigers, rhinos, walruses, giraffes, and leopards you name it he shot it. I personally do not consider that hunting, I consider it shooting, and I have no issues with any of it.
To each their own on the viewpoint of guided hunts. I own 80 acres in central Wisconsin and hunt Whitetail deer and turkey. Outside of small game, that's about all I'll ever get on my property. Attached is the guy I got archery hunting on my property last fall. Just got him from the taxidermist yesterday actually! [img]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nNBryjC-HoR_6x2on7-Eo3SQhmrpW-IT/view?usp=share_link[/img]
But if you want to hunt something that is not local to your area, your only real option would be to hire an outfitter. Hell, I'm going on my first African hunt in June for cape buffalo, eland, gemsbok, kudu, and zebra. There is literally no option to hunt those animals without an outfitter. You can't simply show up to Africa with a gun without having an outfitter--you need to give them your paperwork at customs. I suppose someone could stay within the US, research public land, and try to hunt something without a guide. But if it's a species you never hunted yourself, in an area you know nothing about firsthand, that seems like more of a waste of time than anything.
Is a guided hunt the same thing as hunting on your own, in an area you know--absolutely not. But for those of us that want to try something new and learn the techniques on species you've never hunted--I'm not sure there is a better alternative.
To each their own on the viewpoint of guided hunts. I own 80 acres in central Wisconsin and hunt Whitetail deer and turkey. Outside of small game, that's about all I'll ever get on my property. Attached is the guy I got archery hunting on my property last fall. Just got him from the taxidermist yesterday actually! [img]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nNBryjC-HoR_6x2on7-Eo3SQhmrpW-IT/view?usp=share_link[/img]
But if you want to hunt something that is not local to your area, your only real option would be to hire an outfitter. Hell, I'm going on my first African hunt in June for cape buffalo, eland, gemsbok, kudu, and zebra. There is literally no option to hunt those animals without an outfitter. You can't simply show up to Africa with a gun without having an outfitter--you need to give them your paperwork at customs. I suppose someone could stay within the US, research public land, and try to hunt something without a guide. But if it's a species you never hunted yourself, in an area you know nothing about firsthand, that seems like more of a waste of time than anything.
Is a guided hunt the same thing as hunting on your own, in an area you know--absolutely not. But for those of us that want to try something new and learn the techniques on species you've never hunted--I'm not sure there is a better alternative.
There isn't a better option or alternative, besides you have to spend years on the ground in any given area to really know what you are doing. Not possible if you are hunting multiple species.
One thing that makes me laugh is all of the hunting shows with chicks and guys shooting Pope and Young or B&C deer every season. Wish I could just show up in a tree stand on primo private property without competition, that was set up for me where I knew B&C deer were living in that specific area.
After 35 years of hunting deer, I have only killed 1 giant deer, took a very long time to do that, and I doubt if I will ever shoot another one like it again. If I was worth millions and paid the best trophy outfitters in the world to hunt deer, I am sure I would have many.
Great deer! I hope you post pictures of your African animals when you return!
bobdahunter; Top of the morning to you once more sir, I hope all is going more than less your way so far this weekend on April 01st.
That is a grand buck, congratulations!
Just for reference, where I grew up in Saskatchewan, we'd see bucks that size occasionally, but usually at night trucking grain or running fuel to a combine. They were pretty nocturnal.
Here in our part of BC, there are some whitetail that size, but I could count on both hands the number I've personally laid eyes on in the past 40 years.
Just another instance of things just being what they are, right?
My African experience is from '75 in Kenya so truly a lifetime ago, but I hope you'll have the same sense of awe and wonder that I still vividly recall when you go there. It's so very different from anything I've ever experienced in my wandering all over the 4 western provinces, the north western states and up into the Yukon as well. Africa is just different and I mean that in the best way possible.
Lastly as far as guided hunts are concerned, as you noted it's dependent upon local regulation largely anymore.
Here in BC even if immediate family from outside the province wants to hunt here, I'd need to get what's more or less a temporary guide permit, take responsibility for them and then they're also subject to non-resident license fees too.
I want to say I could go back and hunt the farm in Saskatchewan without a guide, but still need to pay non-resident fees and perhaps a different season? Not sure on that all, sorry.
Anyways sir, all the best luck on the African hunt, it's doubtless going to be memorable.
Links have my lifetime if trophies that live at my cabin. Dating back to when I was 12, to my current ripe old age of 38. No guided hunts with any of the deer But the bears in the background were in fact with an outfitter in Ontario, although it wasn't guided.
Hunting with a guide/outfitters is not hunting, zero hunting skills required, basically it's shooting.
KB
Interesting to see you offering up so much advice to a guy looking for a guided hunt. Why don't you tell him how you really feel.
Good morning AO TROLL.
I personally do not use guides, don't have to because I do my own research, pre-season scouting and calling, so I don't need to be guided to animals since I hunt in the province I live in and hunt.
If I wanted to go out of the country I would use a guide, would be stupid not to. What I did say is that I do not consider guided hunts, hunting, I consider them Shooting events, where all that is required is shooting skills, since the guide does all the work, knows the area, and takes you to the animal. as For instance one of my father's friends was at one time ranked #4 Big Game hunter of his time, I believe. His game room was not a game room, it was a 14000 sq. ft. building of the biggest full mounts of everything. He was an extremely wealthy man that paid guides huge amounts of money to put him over record book animals.
He would get a call, get on his jet and go shoot the animal that was located and hunted for him, including moose, elk, grizzles, black bears, elephants lions, tigers, rhinos, walruses, giraffes, and leopards you name it he shot it. I personally do not consider that hunting, I consider it shooting, and I have no issues with any of it.
Have a great day sfb3.
KB
"ranked #4 Big Game hunter of his time" What kind of bs is that? Where exactly would a person find these rankings? Who's doing the ranking? You? If so, I'm sure that you're ranked #1 hahahaha
To be honest Kenneth, the gentleman I was speaking of was from Hawaii, which island I am not sure about. He was my father's friend, they are both deceased.
My father, told me he was ranked as 4th in something having to do with big game. Other than that I know nothing about people who hunt internationally or any type of ranking systems other than Pope and Young and B&C, I only hunt moose, elk, bears and deer when it comes to big game in the provinces, I have lived in including Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and BC. I am a meat hunter, horn size was never a priority for me.
I am trying to get this guy's name and am doing some research. I was told by my father that when he passed he donated his trophies to a natural museum in Hawaii, not even sure which one. If I find any information I will post it.
All I can tell you is that my father had pictures of his trophy house which he took himself in 1974. He had the biggest of just about everything and multiples of a lot of them.
To be honest Kenneth, the gentleman I was speaking of was from Hawaii, which island I am not sure about. He was my father's friend, they are both deceased.
My father, told me he was ranked as 4th in something having to do with big game. Other than that I know nothing about people who hunt internationally or any type of ranking systems other than Pope and Young and B&C, I only hunt moose, elk, bears and deer when it comes to big game in the provinces, I have lived in including Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and BC. I am a meat hunter, horn size was never a priority for me.
I am trying to get this guy's name and am doing some research. I was told by my father that when he passed he donated his trophies to a natural museum in Hawaii, not even sure which one. If I find any information I will post it.
All I can tell you is that my father had pictures of his trophy house which he took himself in 1974. He had the biggest of just about everything and multiples of a lot of them.
Of course you are correct wageslave. I deleted the post, and will find out what the gentleman I spoke of did, very few trophy hunters achieved his level of accomplishments, remarkable actually.
I do know that he was born an orphan, and ended up being an incredible person.
Could I see the list of who’s ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd, ‘at one time’? Should be interesting.
Just wondering if maybe I’m mentioned.
Hi Kenneth,
As mentioned, I was going to do some research to back up my claim that my father’s friend was listed as #4, I made a big mistake he is listed as #2
My father’s hunting friend’s name was Watson Toshinori Yoshimoto and he was the recipient of many awards including, the Weatherby Big Game Award, the Safari Club International Hunter Conservation Award, and induction into the Safari Club International Hall of Fame, he is also listed in the Super Slam of North American Big Game, there are only 209 hunters that made this list to date.
Because my father had an amazing group of friends that were serious hunters, I was fortunate enough to hunt some very exclusive properties, that most will never even hear of.
To my little Alberta Troll friend, please feel free to print out the Super Slam Award, roll it into a tube shape, and stick it up your butt. Loser!
Listings
The Safari Club International Record Book
Watson T. Yoshimoto is listed in this very prestigious record book. #2, # 1 is SCI’s founder C.J. McElroy
He has 274 entries in SCI’s record Book with 31 photos of him.
The Safari Club International Record Book is the largest such record-keeping system in the world. Trophies are measured and listed according to size (horns, antlers, tusks, and/or body size), where taken (free range or estate), how taken (bow and arrow, rifle, muzzleloader), and whether typical or atypical for the species. Medals and awards are presented dependent on ranking within species. This book ranks every species of game animal using the SCI official scoring method. The book allows hunters to gain recognition for their hunting skills. It is also used by scientific institutions and governments to provide an index of the health of wildlife populations.
The Weatherby Award
Watson was awarded this awarded in 1980, picture of him with the actor Robert Stack and Roy Weatherby
The Weatherby Award is awarded annually for remarkable lifetime achievements in the field of hunting and conservation. It is considered "the Nobel Prize equivalent in hunting and conservationism" and the pinnacle to a long, successful hunting career.
Watson with the picture of him with the actor Robert Stack and Roy Weatherby
The Super Slam of Big Game - Watson is listed as # 12
The Grand Slam Club — later to become Grand Slam Club/Ovis — was founded in 1956 by Bob Housholder. It was a time of rising popularity for conservation, and records preservation was part of that initiative. One of his goals was to document those who bagged all North American trophies recognized by Boone & Crockett, ultimately keeping track of these impressive animals and the hunters who tagged them.
As a result, in time, the Super Slam of North American Big Game® was born. This achievement hasn’t been accomplished by many individuals, though. The complete list of registered recipients holds only 209 names. That’s a very small crowd, and it takes serious dedication, planning, resources, and time to become part of it.
All of his trophies were donated to the National Museum of Nature and Science in Toyoko, and are on display there today. It is called the “Yashimoto Collection”.
Here are a few pictures Of Watson and his animals on display in Toyoko.
Checkmate KB! That was an awesome post. That is an amazing collection.
Thanks bobdahunter,
Watson's collection is nothing short of incredible, can't even begin to imagine how many interesting stories he could tell about his exploits. What a life hey?
Looking forward to seeing your African trip photos, hope you slam some B&C critters!
"ranked #4 Big Game hunter of his time" What kind of bs is that? Where exactly would a person find these rankings? Who's doing the ranking? You? If so, I'm sure that you're ranked #1 hahahaha
It's amazing how trolls disappear like the cowards they are when they are proven to be ignorant blowhards hey pete53?
From this day forward I am calling albertadave, albertajerkoff. Well earned and more appropriate in his case. Pathetic slob!
A ranking of “hunters” is by no means any indication of hunting ability, No education needed here,
Throwing large stacks at guided hunts does not equate to a ‘ranking’ implying that one is better than others,
They may have more money to throw at hunts, That does not equate to being a better or best hunter,
A ranking is nothing more than some egotistical pat on the back at the good ole boys club,
I may agree with ranking (scoring) individual animals, but not hunters.
In part I agree with you comments Kenneth.
If you read my posts above you will see that i do not consider guided hunts as truly "Hunting" to me they are more akin to being "Shooting Adventures", and there is nothing wrong with that as far as I am concerned.
None the less, there is a ranking system, and you should thank me for educating you, since like me, you were unaware they existed, based on your post.
Watson's collection includes 400 specimens of various mounting styles, with 173 species. Not including a Giant Ostrage and other birds.
The “Yoshimoto Collection” consists of specimens Watson hunted from all over the world, from 1957 to 1995.
KB
I may not have 173 species under my belt, but I probably have that many big game harvests. ;-) And I never went on a single guided hunt. Still a pretty impressive collection he put together.
Watson's collection includes 400 specimens of various mounting styles, with 173 species. Not including a Giant Ostrage and other birds.
The “Yoshimoto Collection” consists of specimens Watson hunted from all over the world, from 1957 to 1995.
KB
I may not have 173 species under my belt, but I probably have that many big game harvests. ;-) And I never went on a single guided hunt. Still a pretty impressive collection he put together.
Phenomenal CanuckShooter
If I were on any big game list I would most likely be ranked around #10,000,000 lol
He spent a lot of money hunting, you can't take it with you so you may as well.
Congratulations on an outstanding hunting career, and feel free to post some pictures of your trophies, would be cool to see!
Killerbee- i put Leupold scopes on everything i own. The pre 64 model 70 338 Win Mag has a new VX-HD3 4.5-14X50. The Mark V has an older VX3 4.5-14 x 40. Even scoped up my DG African rifles. Both pre 64 70's in 375 h&h and a custom Biesen in 458 Lott have the VX-6HD 1-6x24 on them.
I watched the videos for Ray's. I would say it's a mix. Certainly some wooded and some clearer country. The bow hunters were more in the brush with rifle hunters more in the open.
I did reach out to Westwood. Seemed good too but they were booked through 2024.
To your point BC30, maybe I bring both the 338 and 300 weatherby. I'm leaning towards the 338 but nothing wrong with the weatherby as a backup. The weatherby has a break on it, so the guide may prefer i use the 338...
Hi bobdahunter, nice scopes that's for sure, and for the distances you mentioned, they are a great choice.
On my .30-06 I use a Bausch and Lomb Rainguard Elite 4200 2.5-10 x 40, and I have taken a lot of moose with it and so many deer I forgot how many. I have never had any issues zooming in for a kill shot @ 200 yards and when you are hunting in the bush I like the lower power.
I have only killed moose with my .30-06 and bow, so 30 Cals are great medicine for moose. I bought and set up my .300 Win Mag for elk and longer range shooting, since every time I get a chance to kill one with a rifle they are 500 yards+ away.
For shots ranging between 150-200 yards, yours are an excellent choice and all you will ever need.
I have never owned a Muzzle Break, because I am not a range shooter that shoots many rounds and needs relief. I do not even feel the recoil when I am hunting and taking my shot since I am so focused. So, they are not necessary in my case. First time I heard one go off I was at a range standing in the wrong place too close to the shooter and I thought a canon went off. I remember saying WHAT THE F WAS THAT! lol.
Wishing you all the best in finding an excellent guide and enjoying a fun hunt, moose meat is one of my favorites and moose cheeseburgers are one of my favorite meals.
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But the bears in the background were in fact with an outfitter in Ontario, although it wasn't guided. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/k0vTjux.jpg)
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