It was shorter trip than I liked, but the guys of Rip N’ Tear Hunt Club were somewhat successful due to some, ‘I am tired of sitting’ antics by Kyle. He let the guys know he was leaving his watch to bring the ‘fight’ to the moose. His plan worked as he surprised a nice bull on a ridge.

As Kyle approached the moose, he noticed a collared tracking device around his neck. There was a phone number marked on it and as the call went out to this number, the rest of the guys began to gut and prepare the moose for transport to the butcher.

Their work was short lived. After they finally talked to the right government official (who knew about the collars), they were told that the moose was tagged several months ago as part of a study monitoring moose survival rates in hunted and non-hunted areas. I would love to get a hold of the data. Click on the photo for a shot of the collar.

The unfortunate part of the whole thing was that it was recommended that we not process and eat the meat because of the chemicals used in the tranquilizer dart. The MNR is providing another bull tag for the hunter (Kyle) so he can still get another bull. We took the moose to a nearby wildlife sanctuary so that they could use the meat for it’s rescued animals – like bears and coyotes.

Lessons Learned:

1. Don’t be afraid to change your moose hunting tactics by doing some tracking and walking
2. Don’t eat collared moose – find another way to use the meat so as to NOT waste it.

If I find out anymore about this moose’s research project I will be sure to post any public information. Kyle is supposed to be in touch with the researchers as they want their collar back.

Great job Kyle! Congrats.

I would love to post photos of the moose our visitors were able to tag this season. Feel free to email them to me using the email on my contact page.