Earlier this year, my mom received a phone call from Huntin’ Fool explaining that they had very exciting news for me. They went on to say that I had been drawn for a Shiras moose in the best unit – Idaho’s unit 54. Idaho usually only gave out one tag a year for this hunt, but they decided to give out three this year. I was the recipient of the only non-resident tag. I was a 13-year-old boy who had only been a member of Huntin’ Fool for two years and had very little application experience.
We left on a Wednesday from my school and flew from the local airport to Twin Falls via a layover in Salt Lake City. We were greeted and picked up by a guide named, Darrel, who was currently working for Hoby Gartner of Deadline Outfitters. It was close to midnight by the time we arrived at the hunting lodge. It was very nice and accommodating. I decided to go straight to bed and try and get some sleep since we had an early morning approaching quickly.
In the morning, Tasha had made some fantastic breakfast burritos with eggs, bacon, ham, cheese, and potatoes. For a 13-year-old growing boy, this was what I needed! We then headed out for unit 54 to go look for my Shiras moose. The guides had spotted him the day before while out guiding elk, and they were figuring where he might be today. As we made it there, we sat and watched for a bit. We weren’t seeing any bulls, so we decided to head out with Joe (my guide), Jon (the videographer), and Eric (my dad/sponsor). Darrel was staying behind to watch the area.
We had about a three-mile hike before we came across some tracks. We followed them, but they led inside a large patch of trees that were too thick to shoot through. We decided to go back up and watch the trees to see if the bull came out. As we were heading back, we saw Darrel driving toward us. He told us that he had left his earlier post and spotted the moose somewhere else, so we all jumped in and drove over to that area to check it out. However, the moose had bedded down in more trees. Darrel decided to go and stand on the top of the ridge next to the trees to try and push the bull out. Jon kept his eyes on Darrel so we knew where he was at all times. Joe gave me specific instructions by telling me it should be about 150 yards and pointed me to the left. He also told me that if the moose went my way, he would call it to try to get it to stop and then for me to shoot. However, if it went to my right, I should take a step to the left and turn my gun. I was shooting my Ruger .308 American off of sticks, aiming into a large patch of trees, and we didn’t know which way the bull would run out. Darrel kept going, and I was starting to lose hope that the bull was even here. As Darrel approached the end of the ridge, Joe tapped me and pointed to the moose. It was weaving through the trees, trying to escape. I took a step to my left, turned my gun to the right, and Joe called, but it completely ignored the call and just kept trotting away. Joe said, “Shoot it!” I shot, and the first shot thudded in him, but he wasn’t affected. I reloaded and shot again. He stuttered a little but kept going. I reloaded again and shot, finally bringing this massive, majestic beast down. All three shots hit him, one in the lungs, one through the heart, and one in the neck.
As I walked over to the moose, I started to realize how big this bull really was. No wonder it had taken three shots! The horns were an awesome 10x9 with amazing front scoops. The right side had an extra dagger that looked so cool. Photos were taken, and big smiles and congratulations were had by all. I was told that this was “The Legend” bull. They had been chasing him for four years.
We started to skin him and prep him for a shoulder mount with as much meat and hide as we could take, per my mom’s request. We collected the necessary samples required by the Idaho Fish and Game and found two of the three Federal Premium 180 grain bullets mushroomed. It was picture perfect. Joe commented that they probably had 176 grains still intact. I kept the bullets, and we continued to skin. Upon completion, I thought I wanted to try to pack the head and hide out. They strapped it to a pack, and two of the guys placed it all onto my back. It was super heavy! My dad asked me to turn to take some photos, and as I was turning, the pack swayed, shifting my weight, and brought me to the ground on top of it! I looked like a turtle on its shell. Everyone was laughing and taking pictures. Maybe next time. It was time for a backup plan. Terry, a friend who had come to help, brought the head, hide, and meat to the truck for me. We got to the trucks, and my dad was still laughing about it. I told him I needed another moose to try it again, but he wasn’t as onboard as I was about that idea.
All in all, it was a great experience. The first day, before noon, I had shot a huge Shiras bull moose! Everyone was excited. I had a great time with everyone there.
Many thanks to Huntin’ Fool for getting me applied for this awesome hunt! Thank you to everyone at Deadline Outfitters for guiding, filming, scouting, flushing, feeding, and hosting my dad and me. Thank you, Dad, for a great experience with you.
More Info: Idaho Shiras Moose