Calling all moose

I was on the edge of a beaver pond near a fresh cut, sur­rounded by signs of recent moose activity. With a cow tag in hand, I began calling, hoping to attract a curious cow. After an hour, I heard the unmistakeable “unnngggghh” of a bull moose. A mature bull emerged from the cover, grunting with each step as he cruised the shoreline. Though no cow fol­lowed, it was an unforgettable experience. Here’s how to use calling to your advantage. Master the classic The classic cow call is a must-know for any moose hunter. It mimics a receptive cow and taps a bull’s instinct to breed. With practice, hunters can replicate a cow call using only their hands. Proper hand placement adds inflections and a nasal tone to the call, starting with the “Errrrr-ahhhh” sound. Cupping your hands and squeezing your nostrils enhances this effect. A calling horn carries your call further with an authentic tone. I use a KC Moose Mag, but makeshift horns from birch bark and duct tape or rolled-up linoleum flooring can also work. Start with hand calls, gradually transitioning to the horn and increasing volume. Horns can double as tools for raking brush and mimicking urination, adding realism. Thrashing brush Thrashing mimics the aggressive behavior of a rutting bull breaking branches and thrashing brush. Use a moose antler, plywood antler cutout, canoe paddle, or scapula. This tactic can lure a hesitant bull out of cover, but it might intimidate smaller bulls, so reserve it for locked-up bulls or when targeting larger ones. When to call While late September and early October is prime calling season, calling is effective all season, even into December. Unbred cows may come into estrous multiple times, and I’ve witnessed incred­ible interactions and heard some wild calls while hunting in the snow during December. Calling cows With cow tags more readily available in some wildlife man­agement units, many hunters wonder about calling cows. There is no consensus on its effectiveness, but cow calling can attract curious cows or bulls trailing them. Bull grunts might also work, as they generally do no harm. Quick tips When setting up, consider the wind and find good sightlines of likely approaches. Positioning yourself for a clear shot before a moose circles downwind is crucial. Using a partner and adding decoys can enhance your calling effectiveness. Grunting at bulls My uncle Doug Tigchelaar, a dedicated bow