subject: Hunting Moose Part Ii [print this page] Moose skin can be used in a variety of different ways. One primary use of moose skin throughout centuries is the making of moccasins.
Native Americans used other various parts of the body of the moose for a variety of different purposes. Today hunters use it for many of the same purposes.
Often when hunting a moose, the moose will not fall down at the same moment it is shot. After being hit, the moose may travel quite a distance.
This distance could be more than 100 yards and the moose may not even show signs of being struck by the bullet. It is important that the animal is followed in case it was hit and wounded.
Otherwise the animal may suffer a lot of pain before death and it will be a wasted death. If you lose the moose and you are not sure where it went, mark where you are so that you can find where it was last seen again.
Take a reading of the compass in the direction that it traveled. As you take off in the direction that the moose traveled watch for blood and hair as clues that you are on the correct trail.
Once you are sure you are on the right trail wait for 30 minutes. Then, stealthily follow the trail.
If the moose was wounded it will likely lie down after traveling a little ways as long as nothing is following it. By waiting, it will think you stopped following it and it will lie down, making it easier to catch.
A mistake that many hunters make is trying for a moose that is not the original moose they wounded. At this point, the hunter is then responsible for two wounded animals.
As you draw closer to the wounded animal be very careful. Step closer to it from behind or one of the sides.
A moose generally dies with its eyes open, so the eyes are the first thing to check for life. Try poking it with a stick to ensure death.
If the moose is still alive, take it out of suffering as quickly as possible by shooting it again in the skull. When the moose is dead, attach the registration tag that you brought with you.
The ear is generally the best place for this attachment. Even if the animal is dead, the nerves could still react to the previous trauma and lash out at you.
If you are not careful a leg or antler could jerk and injure you. Now that you have caught what you have come for, it is the best time to take pictures of your success.
Not only are you at the height of excitement because of your catch, but the animal looks the best. No one likes to see photos of the gory field dressing.
Handling the moose when it is dead it not easy. It is a fairly large animal that will be very heavy and difficult to drag back to camp.
However, with the appropriate equipment, this task will not be so hard. If you prefer to have a butcher handle the moose, be sure that you have already discovered what his preferences are for handling the moose.
Incorrect handling can adversely affect the taste of the meat later. This poor quality taste is referred to as "game taste."
If you can, dress the moose immediately to avoid spoiling of the meat due to heat. This is the number one cause of meat spoiling too quickly.
As you cut open the moose the air will be able to help keep the meat cool temporarily. Be sure to keep the moose as clean of dirt, debris, blood, and hair as well.
You do not want to find surprises in your dinner later than night. Cheesecloth and commercial game bags are the most popular means of moose meat protection in the field.
These items keep dirt and flies from contaminating your kill. Black pepper can also discourage flies from bothering your meat.
