Effective Moose Calling Techniques
Depending on the person, the moose and the season, there are a number of different moose calling techniques that are quite effective. Sound effects, visual effects and vocalizations can all be utilized because you never want to just limit yourself to cow calls and bull grunts.
Moose calling techniques are easy and even young children can tackle them with a bit of practice. Using proper techniques will greatly increase your success rate during the hunting season of August through October. However, keep in mind that you must be patient. Always use common sense and extreme caution when you call because a crazed bull can cover the ground a lot faster than you can run and the situation can become very dangerous. Additionally, black and brown bears may answer your call expecting lunch and if you are good enough, you may even call other hunters. Be prepared and alert at all times.
Bull Grunts
When bulls are challenging each other, they move in a group and try to win over the cows. When they actually respond to a call, they make deep, short grunts approximately three seconds apart. These grunts can sound like a hiccup or a full blown explosive cough. When you are using these types of moose calling techniques, you will make a “ugh” sound about every three seconds.
Cow Calls
These types of moose calling techniques can be as short as two seconds or as long a one minute. They are a “err” sound and are much higher than the bull grunt. Begin the call low and then raise up the pitch at some point during the call. Lower the pitch back down before you taper it off to be completed. A helpful tip is to pinch your nose when making these sounds because the nasal effect sounds more realistic.
Brush Thrashing
Brush thrashing can be done many different ways. If you can find a dead spruce tree, it is ideal because you can break off a few branches to make a loud cracking sound. You can also use an ax or even a handle and chop away at dry timber to create a thrashing sound.
Flashing
Moose calling techniques do not have to rely on sound. When a bull strips its velvet, their white antlers are easily seen from remarkable distances. If they flash their antlers by shaking their head, they are engaging in an aggressive statement. You can flash or wave something white such as white clothing or garbage bags to mimic this act.
If you add visual displays to your vocal moose calling techniques, you make yourself twice as convincing. Always make sure that your weapon is ready or you have a tree to climb if you use a flashing technique because there is a high chance that the bull is going to charge. Also, if you plan on waving something white, be sure to wear something bright colored so that another hunter does not mistake you for an angry bull from far away.
Site Choices
When you are choosing your hunting area, it is recommended to find yourself a spot with a really good view, overlooking a mixture of willow, birch and swamp. It is also helpful to look for a location that is near rub poles, game trails or scent pits. Also, a spot with fresh tracks and droppings is always a good indication of a prime location.
Additionally, since moose absolutely love water and feed on pond grasses and weeds, an area near ponds, beaver dams or other natural drainage is ideal as well.
Be Patient
Sometimes responses to even the best calls do not happen until many hours later or even the next day. Keep in mind that they are active mostly at night so if you call them in the early morning, chances are, they have bedded down. They may not choose to investigate until their mid day meal or later that evening.
If you do call again, you will want to commit to watching the area closely with a partner so you can take sleep shifts and not miss your opportunity.
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