elkoholic Posted July 8, 2019 Report Share Posted July 8, 2019 So, I've been thinking about the luck of the draw and the odds of filling a once in a lifetime tag. The options in this eleven week journey are to hunt with either a bow, rifle, or both. My original thought was to archery hunt the first four to five weeks, which covers the rut, and then switch to a rifle as the rut ends. The sense that I'm getting from people is that I should stick to a rifle as the shot opportunity (if it happens) may not be one that is conducive to archery equipment. That could be true. A moose quartering to, even at point blank range, is not the shot I'd want with a bow and a head-on opportunity might be worse. Moose coming to a call tend to turn broadside (to show off their size) when they get in close, but there is no guarantee. Then there is the long range possibility. Moose have a large kill zone and I'm confident to 60 yards with my bow given a broadside shot, but I'm confident at 400+ yards with my .300 Weatherby. There's more to take into consideration, but in the end, just getting the tag and having the hunt to look ahead to is far more than I expected. Anyone have any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted July 9, 2019 Report Share Posted July 9, 2019 Gun would be my choice, just because it is the opportunity of a lifetime and I would hate to end up having to pass on a nice moose for being just out of bowrange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abrown Posted July 9, 2019 Report Share Posted July 9, 2019 My question is, what kind of tag is it? Could you take both, and the opportunity presented itself with a bow take it, if not, use the big gun? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkoholic Posted July 9, 2019 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2019 5 hours ago, abrown said: My question is, what kind of tag is it? Could you take both, and the opportunity presented itself with a bow take it, if not, use the big gun? The tag is not weapon specific and as such, allows for the use of a rifle or bow. I have considered the option of carrying both and the thought, while appealing, is not practical taking into account the terrain I will be traversing. I do carry a pistol while bow hunting, as the bears can be a bit grumpy, and my 454 Casull has enough energy to take out a moose at 100+ yards. I can keep Hornady's 300 gr XTP load in a 6 inch circle at 100 yards so that could be an option if a bull stopped just out of bow range. 18 hours ago, wtnhunt said: Gun would be my choice, just because it is the opportunity of a lifetime and I would hate to end up having to pass on a nice moose for being just out of bowrange That is the general opinion I've been receiving. The other issue is that the archery season for elk and deer will be open during the first 5 weeks and if an opportunity developed where I could make a play on a big bull elk or buck, not having a bow in hand would be frustrating. I've shot my share of elk and deer so maybe I should just concentrate on filling that moose tag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted July 9, 2019 Report Share Posted July 9, 2019 Rifle hunt for your moose and go back to bow for elk and deer. Especially with the potential bear issues, would be nice having a gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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