Spot and Stalk Moose Hunting

by Carl

What tactic is best option when September archery hunting moose when: either boating or on the road going to your hunting spot and you spot a bull and cow walking along a lake shore or crossing a meadow several hundred yards away. You know they spotted you and see them disappear into the bush.
Do you get aggressive and go after him and start calling trying to get him to come back or what?

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Carl,

The short answer... yes to both parts of your question.

Let me explain further...

I would definitely approach the spot you last saw the moose... quietly. Unless they have been spooked they may be standing just inside the bush wondering if what they saw was pursuing them.

On the other hand calling may just bring the curious back out for a second look. Your calling success will depend on season, are the cow moose in estrus? Are the bulls rutting?

Sometimes moose are on the move... maybe on their way to a bedding area or feeding area, they might not have been spooked by seeing you, the human. They might just keep on walking. You can try to pursue them. Walk quietly and stop often, predators (humans included) tend to walk deliberately. A feeding ungulate will feed, pause, walk, pause and so on.

To spot and stalk any ungulate you have to imitate them. If you walk or make noises like predators... well, you will get busted.

As for which tactic is best... the one that works. Every situation is different and you have to be prepared to use every avenue you have to get within range.

Calling, thrashing and stalking are all productive methods, many times you have to use all three. Other times the moose will just ignore your advances and keep moving to their destination.

One thing is certain once they know they are being followed they will stop, watch and listen. You need to be super diligent in your stealthiness approach or you will not get close enough, especially for hunting with a bow.

Good luck with your spot and stalk moose hunts this fall.
~ Mark - Site Owner