Blessed is the best way to describe what we do. The reason we can afford to guide and hunt is because of the sacrifices so many have made. This realization has always kept me wanting to give back to the people who gave so much for the love of this country and the right to keep it free
As we entered our 20th year in business at OMM Outfitters, it was clear that this was the year to put together a Maine moose hunt for a veteran. With the help of a wonderful OMM client, KUIU, Swarovski Optik, GA Precision Rifles, and the Three Rangers Foundation, this dream hunt became a reality for Chris Vogeler. He is a gold star combat veteran. This hunt was done in remembrance of his brother’s ultimate sacrifice. SFC Lance Herman Vogeler was an avid hunter who enjoyed being outdoors with friends and family. Chris has always followed in his brother’s footsteps, and this was a chance for him to learn why his brother enjoyed it like he did. It was also an opportunity for him to learn to be able to teach his kids about being outdoors.
The Vogeler team, accompanied by Three Rangers spiritual fitness director Dan Knight and KUIU cameraman Jeff Shanor, arrived on Sunday, the day before the hunt. The excitement was high, and after the guys settled into the Eagle Lake Sporting Camps, they headed for the range accompanied by OMM guides Shawn Williams and Rob Fickett, who are also veterans. Chris’ GA Precision firearm outfitted with a Swarovski scope performed to perfection. Chris was dialed in and had no doubt he was ready to make a great shot when the opportunity presented itself.
On Thursday, the hunt came together. Rob Fickett, along with team members Erik Poland and Josh Rickman, took to the field as they did the days prior. I also had a chance to get in on the action. We arrived well before legal shooting light to listen and see what opportunities might present themselves. With four vehicles, each in different directions, we looked and listened for a window of opportunity to move forward.
It was a calm morning with temps in the low 40s. I happened to be walking down the narrow dirt road thinking about “The Cross Bull” that lived in the area. We had located his sheds the prior winter and had three years of photographed history both by aerial and trail camera. This was on my mind as I did the moose walk down the road that was taught to me by my mentor, OMM team member and close friend who had recently passed, Guy Randlett. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a bull raking to my right in the planted spruce as he had heard me. His raking was his way of saying “stay away.” A little while later, a cow bellowed. It was clear this was the situation we needed.
I got on the radio to the team who brought Chris accompanied by KUIU photographer Jeff Shanor, and a plan was made. We worked to about 150 yards from my waypoint that I had marked on onX as an approximate location of the bull. I began raking aggressively as I felt this bull would welcome a fight. Without a response, we continued closer. On the third sequence and 75 yards closer, I began to hear the grunt cadence of a bull moving in our direction. The excitement was building, and it was clear we were going to get a look at him. I steadied Chris on a tree and explained his shot openings. The bull closed the distance. However, he didn’t end up exactly where we would’ve liked. I quickly directed Chris to a small window on the edge of the planted spruce. It would be a 40-yard shot. We could now see his rack, and it looked huge. Just as he entered the opening, I said to myself and maybe out loud, “It’s the Cross, the Cross Bull!” Then, I said to Chris, “When you are ready, if you have a good shot, take him.”
The gun went off, and within five minutes, the one lethal shot had expired one of OMM’S legendary bulls. The excitement was beyond belief. Both Chris and I were breathing heavily and trying to regain our composure.
As we walked over to the bull, his huge rack was evident. I radioed the guys, and they came down and congratulated Chris. The emotions ran high, and the memories made that day one that will never be forgotten. We thanked Chris for his and his family’s many sacrifices so we can continue to live free. This was the hunt-of-a-lifetime!
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