As I scraped the frost off the boat seats in the early morning darkness I had to question the logistics of this Canadian moose hunt adventure. Not only do I not know what I’m doing, but the destination back in Long Lake begs the question “How much work will it be to get a moose home from there?”. Never one to dwell on the practicalities I stifle all common sense issues….besides I have enlisted some help.
We leave the dock with four on board. Son Mike, who has supposedly brought all the necessary tools in a trendy burlap sack. Dean Spychalski from Green Bay, Wi who is an award-winning taxidermist (Big Timber Taxidermy) and Jeff Busch from Cecil, Wi who is a competitive archer and owns Arrow Flite Archery Both Dean and Jeff have been up deer hunting and being successful they are now looking for a diversion…..what better diversion than a moose hunt? Besides, Dean claims to be able to call for moose. We will put this to the test. I need all the help I can get!
I must say that I have never walked the portage trail so early in the morning. Frosty and quiet….the only sign of life is some hairy wolf poop decorating the top of a boulder. With four guys in a boat it is a slow ride across Clearwater Lake to the “spot”. We hunker down for the moose hunt.
Dean does a respectable job of imitating a cow moose longing for a handsome bull……and even throws in the odd bull grunt to boot. Thrashing the brush with a canoe paddle seems to be the icing on the cake. There is no way a moose will be able to resist this ploy. I’m ready to pull the trigger…
Why are there fish surfacing on Long Lake? When will the moose surface? Should I eat my Halloween treats? Time moves on…Dean’s calling is starting to sound more determined.
Timing seems to be the issue that is working against us. The moose rut apparently is over and the lure of a female moose calling is only giving the bull a migraine…or so it seems. Never the less, we gave it a shot so perhaps some scouting around will give us an answer.
The moose wallow that I was confident in still being active was alas frosty and undisturbed since my last visit. The rut is done…..and so are we. But wait! What is this? A moose artifact gives us the satisfaction of actually bagging a moose without the bother of carrying out hundreds of pounds of meat.
While the moose hunt for this day may be over, I still have my “plan B”. This I will keep under my hat and will report back when and if successful. As for Dean, his calling is rewarded with a rather weathered bull moose.
Back at the ranch we pose for the camera. Lucy seems nonchalant about our successful November moose hunt!
This is a first class resort located on Vermillion Bay on Eagle Lake. The cabins are very clean and well kept. The boats are new with new motors and are in great shape. The owner will also clean your fish for you after your day on the water. Make no mistake the fishing on Eagle Lake is world class.
The Lodge is owned by Gord and Susanne Bastable who will make you feel welcome and before you know it you feel like family. They are the best of hosts. The atmosphere is low key and laid back leading to a great vacation.
This is my 19th year of enjoying the hospitality of the lodge and i can’t think of going anywhere else on Eagle Lake.
