Interesting Facts About Moose Antlers

AntlersMore often than not, hunters go after big game not just for the meat alone, but for the huge antlers that signify a successful hunt.

Deer, moose, and elk for example have some of the largest of big game antlers and serve as a great souvenir of your hunt.

Each set of antler is unique to the animal and no two sets of antlers are alike. Moose antlers in particular, are extraordinary and we’d like to share some fun facts about this big game’s antlers with you.

  • Due to the fact that moose is the largest living member of the deer family, moose have the largest set of antlers.   Pictures really don’t do justice for the massive size, unique shape, texture and coloring of moose antlers.
  • If you pay close attention, moose antlers are commonly paired and shaped like the palm of the hand with outstretched fingers. This helps to set moose antlers apart from other big game animal antlers.
  • Moose antlers really don’t serve a purpose other than for intimidation during the mating season, which is the first two weeks of October.
  • A moose will begin to grow antlers once the moose has reached one year of age.
  • Once a moose starts to age and reaches past its prime, the marked reversal of antler development starts to show and will continue to decline until the moose passes.
  • It can be difficult to identify a moose’s age based upon antler size unless the antlers show signs of decay, which is when you know the moose is of advanced age.
  • Once a moose ages, the velvet that covers the antlers begins to fall off and re-grow in the proper season. A moose will typically rub their antlers against trees and hard surfaces to get the velvet off and sometimes, a moose will eat the velvet.

Burntwood Lake Lodge has a variety of guided moose hunts available and we always welcome you to join us.

 

 

 

2016 Fall Moose Hunt

The fall hunting season started off with fisherman, bear hunters and a duck hunter. The bear hunters didn’t fare so well as the bears would not come to the baits no matter what we put in them. The fishermen kept track of the fish caught a total of 377 in 4 days!  Our duck hunter fed us his bacon wrapped duck for the week.  Can’t get enough of this delicacy!  When he wasn’t hunting he was out looking for big northern.  For the amount of time fishing there was some nice pike 13 over 30” with the biggest being 39”.

The moose hunters arrived on September 17th.  The week proved to be successful with 2 bull moose tags filled. Mid-week, guide Leo had a moose coming and another smaller one swam from behind them across the river and his guest filled his tag.  The next day, guide Johnny called a nice moose in.  The hunter had the horns and head in the scope at 30 yards and didn’t feel he had a good enough shot.  The following day, Leo had another one coming to the call and the hunter dropped the shooting stick and that was it for the bull moose.

Rain, high winds, and fog slowed down the second week of hunting.  Mother nature at its finest!  This didn’t stop our guides and guests from getting out there.  Joe took his new guests out and saw a bull in the river but didn’t get close enough to get a shot.  Tuesday was calm in the morning and guide Joe heard 2 in the Hunting River.  Guide Leo and guest heard a call from down the Burntwood River but couldn’t get close enough for a shot.

The third week started off the same, heavy fog in the mornings and later in the week 25mph winds and 10” of snow! Guide Leo and guest headed for the spot he had heard the moose down the Burntwood River and it paid off with a smaller bull. Our successful hunter also saw a huge black bear and bought a tag in case their paths crossed again.

Guide Johnny went back to his secret spot where he had heard a moose on the first week but it was scared off. After calling for a few hours, the moose came back out of the bush and his guest was able to fill his tag with a beautiful 16-point rack.

In all it was a good season with great guests, good food and lots of laughs. Hope to see you all next year!

-Camp Manager Jim

monica jim and louise
Cook Monica, Camp Manager Jim, “Smiley” Louise

How To Choose A Hunting Guide

Hunting If you have yet to experience what it is like to hunt with a guide, you are missing out. A guide is not an expert who runs the show; a guide is a person who embarks on the experience of a hunt alongside you and shares his or her own tips and tricks, and puts you in the best position for success.

A hunting guide often has many years of experience and great advice to offer when you need it or request it. Usually guides are tied to a specific area where they have become very proficient in monitoring animal behavior and habitats. By sharing this knowledge with you, your chances of a successful hunt are greatly increased.

A good guide is not only someone who will take you to the best hunting spots, but he or she is also great company. A guide who is good at his or her job is one who won’t make the experience any less thrilling. Hunting can be an all-day event and the last thing you want is to be stuck with someone who does not engage in conversation.

One of the best ways to find the right hunting guide for you is word of mouth. By asking around, you will get advice on who is good and who is not. Personal opinions are a surefire way to narrow down selections and you can also ask about lodging accommodations, prices, equipment offered and so on.

Lastly, do some interviewing yourself. While it is a good idea to get perspective from other people, you will want to actually speak to the guide ahead of time. This will avoid any awkwardness and you will be able to ask questions before hunting day arrives.

Burntwood Lake Lodge has several friendly, professional, and experienced guides who have already geared up for a great season. To get in touch with one of our guides, feel free to contact us at any time.