One of these characters was Eric Eidam.  This native of Pendleton Oregon is now a firefighter on the West side of the state.  In his time off he is an avid hunter, and shared this photo of his 2011 archery elk from Oregon.

Eric just returned from British Columbia with a  Canada moose with a 48 inch wide antler spread.  At a glance I’m guessing that this bull may be close to book.  If that wasn’t exciting enough, he averted a disaster when his group was charged by a mean tempered grizzly.

Rich got a nice elk as well. I’m sure we will hear the full story in a hunting magazine somewhere in the future!

Activities will include moose viewing information, presentations about moose biology and moose history, presentations on how biologists transplant and track moose, and a puppet show. Family and kid-friendly events and giveaways are planned throughout the day. All activities are free.

“Moose sightings are always fun for people and they’re becoming more common on the Grand Mesa as the population grows,” said Trina Romero, Colorado Division of Wildlife Watchable Wildlife Coordinator. “This event will teach people safe ways to see the moose and some great facts about moose in Colorado.”

Grand Mesa Moose Day sponsors include the Colorado Division of Wildlife, US Forest Service, The Moose 100.7 and the Grand Mesa Scenic & Historic Byway.

The Grand Mesa is the world’s largest flattop mountain and is located east of Grand Junction. Visitors can access the Grand Mesa from Highway 65, which links Interstate 70 in De Beque Canyon with Highway 50 near Delta. The visitor center is located on top of Grand Mesa.

Moose have historically been found on the Grand Mesa in small numbers but a re-introduction effort started in 2005 by the Colorado Division of Wildlife has transplanted dozens of moose to the area. Today, biologists with the agency estimate that the now self-sustaining population numbers approximately 150 moose. The moose population is expected to grow to around 450 animals. The moose transplant and educational efforts about the moose have been funded by Colorado sportsmen through hunting license fees and by the Colorado Chapter of Safari Club International through member funding and through the organization’s annual raffle of a moose hunting license.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

This morning a friend sent me a photo that I think shows how much different it is when it is a moose crossing the road.  because they are long legged, the car or truck bumper hitting their legs sends them directly into the windshield which can be downright deadly.

So here are some suggestions for driving defensively against wildlife:

1. Use your high beams when possible.  It is your best chance to see animals before they reach the road.
2. Be ultra aware at sunrise and sunset when animals are most active.  Also during migration times when weather hits and deer, pronghorn, and elk are on the move.
3. If you see one there may be others.  Watch out for fawns following does in the spring and summer, and rutting bucks chasing does in the late fall.
4. Watch out for animals feeding on mowed roadsides and medians after a Fall rain.  A quick shot of green feed will attract hungry critters.
5. Creeks that cross the road with brush and trees on one side or both are a common travel route.  You won’t see wildlife until they are right on the road.

A warm fall , a nice rain, and a mowed roadside is a magnet to wildlife. This is just FEET off of Highway 101 in California

She is an equal opportunity hunter with a gun or bow. She chases blacktails and Roosevelt bulls on an annual basis near where she lives and works.  Her husband, Rex supports her love of hunting and all three of her children enjoy hunting or fishing.   Many of their anniversaries have been spent in the field after deer or elk.  Kelly wouldn’t have it any other way. 

So it was quite an unexpected gift when a friend gave her a ten-day hunting trip in British Columbia for moose.  A hunt like this was well above and beyond her spending limit, but an appreciative friend saw how much hunting means to Kelly, and helped make it happen.  They booked a trip with Cassiar Stone Outfitters.

Even though it meant cutting short her elk season at home, Kelly and her husband drove for two and a half days to get to the cabin camp in Northern British Columbia.  She started out hunting with her bow, but eventually got out a borrowed .300 Remington ultra mag with 200 grain bullets.   I don’t know how many women could withstand that sort of recoil, but Kelly showed she was tough enough on day five of a ten day hunt.  

 My guide kept having to call him back in as I was below my guide and hubby and I did NOT want to shoot him if I wasn’t sure.  My view was not such that I could see him because there was too much brush and trees where he kept coming over the top at.  The bull began to leave again and my guide let out the sleeziest cow call he could muster up. 

That bull did an about face and headed straight at me.  When I first got a good view of him I’d say he was maybe 80 to 100 yards.  He kept coming and I liked what I saw so I aimed right at the chest between the front shoulders.  I knew I hit him good but he started trotting RIGHT AT ME!  I put in another shell and hit him again about 2″ from the first bullet hole. 

I will never forget how he went down.  He rared up like a horse and all I recall looking at are those big ole paddles rising up over the willows.  He fell over backwards while sort of twisting sideways.  And that was it.  It was awesome.  Did I cry?  Like a darn blubbery baby! 

She remarks about the bull “His name is Frank.  I name everything and I told my guide on day one that if I get a moose his name would be Frank.  My guides name was Frank and we still keep in touch”

“Frank” green scored 194 with a 51 6/8th’s inch outside spread.  Since it is from British Columbia it is considered a Canada moose according to Boone and Crockett species boundaries.  If after 60 days of drying it surpasses 185 inches net it will qualify for the awards level in the Boone and Crockett records.

 Over two days they caped and skinned and butchered the meat, much to the surprise of the camp crew.  They remarked that they had never seen any one take the entire hide, and even the leg bones.  Kelly’s dogs appreciated the thought, and are still gnawing on them. 

 For the remaining time in camp Kelly and her husband enjoyed the fishing and scenery, and “trash talk” on the lake, as Kelly refers to it.  While they were in camp afterwards, they had some visitors come across the lake.  Seems they knew she was tagged out.