The Save the Moose Campaign 2024 kicked off to a great start on the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. It might be a bit of a stretch to call this a canoe trip, as it was our first time taking the big 20 foot freighter, with a mighty 2.5 horse engine on it.
Then again, it might be a bigger stretch to call this a hunting trip.
We were extremely rushed the week before we left, causing a late departure on Friday after work. We arrived at our usual launch spot about an hour and a half late, so we knew we would be setting up in the dark. We were greeted by 50 kph head winds too, and were very glad we had the gasoline paddle to help us along.
The water was the lowest we had ever seen on the river, and we bumped the motor a few times. On the plus side, because we were so late, as twilight approached, the fierce winds subsided.
A highlight for this trip was the installation of a new sh1tter. We use this campsite several times a year, so there is no need to rough it. This was a premium job, completely built with treated lumber and plywood, made to last several years.
When we reached the entrance of the lake, there was so little water that we got stuck. It took about 20 minutes of intense effort to haul our gargantuan load over the sandy reef.
Irene contemplating a stuck freighter canoe.
Once on the lake, we put-putted over to the site.
It was a considerably longer carry to the camp this year, due to the low water, and we had not packed light.
Instead of the snowtrekker, I brought our big insulated eskimo Ice pop up. It only weighs 65 pounds, sets up in minutes and takes a lot less fuel to heat. Plus, we have ¾ inch exercise mats that we put down for a floor. Once the Nuway propane stove is on, you can walk around in your sock feet. It is entirely decadent.
We didn’t even have an outdoor fire, and were in the sleeping bags by 9:30.
The morning dawned clear and cold.
There was a frost on the ground, and very little wind. It looked like an ideal day to find the moose.
We cruised around the lake and river for hours, stopping at likely spots, but once again, no sign. All we saw were some two week old tracks in front of the camp.
We called it quits around 4:00PM and decided to have a drink or two. As soon as we sat down, I could hear something in the distance. Make sure the volume is up in the next two video clips.
Somewhat hopeful, but more likely startled, I ran to the beach to see the beast. Unfortunately I was foiled again.
Sunday morning dawned beautiful again, but the weather was forecast to change for the worse, so we decided that cooking a turkey sounded better than looking for moose again. The 2024 Campaign was over. However, I might get out first week in November, I’ve got a couple of days off work.
I’ll probably stick to my favorite form of hunting though, this moose hunting is for the birds!
Then again, it might be a bigger stretch to call this a hunting trip.
We were extremely rushed the week before we left, causing a late departure on Friday after work. We arrived at our usual launch spot about an hour and a half late, so we knew we would be setting up in the dark. We were greeted by 50 kph head winds too, and were very glad we had the gasoline paddle to help us along.
The water was the lowest we had ever seen on the river, and we bumped the motor a few times. On the plus side, because we were so late, as twilight approached, the fierce winds subsided.
A highlight for this trip was the installation of a new sh1tter. We use this campsite several times a year, so there is no need to rough it. This was a premium job, completely built with treated lumber and plywood, made to last several years.
When we reached the entrance of the lake, there was so little water that we got stuck. It took about 20 minutes of intense effort to haul our gargantuan load over the sandy reef.
Irene contemplating a stuck freighter canoe.
Once on the lake, we put-putted over to the site.
It was a considerably longer carry to the camp this year, due to the low water, and we had not packed light.
Instead of the snowtrekker, I brought our big insulated eskimo Ice pop up. It only weighs 65 pounds, sets up in minutes and takes a lot less fuel to heat. Plus, we have ¾ inch exercise mats that we put down for a floor. Once the Nuway propane stove is on, you can walk around in your sock feet. It is entirely decadent.
We didn’t even have an outdoor fire, and were in the sleeping bags by 9:30.
The morning dawned clear and cold.
There was a frost on the ground, and very little wind. It looked like an ideal day to find the moose.
We cruised around the lake and river for hours, stopping at likely spots, but once again, no sign. All we saw were some two week old tracks in front of the camp.
We called it quits around 4:00PM and decided to have a drink or two. As soon as we sat down, I could hear something in the distance. Make sure the volume is up in the next two video clips.
Somewhat hopeful, but more likely startled, I ran to the beach to see the beast. Unfortunately I was foiled again.
I’ll probably stick to my favorite form of hunting though, this moose hunting is for the birds!
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